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Spring Training 2017: Dealing with the Matt Wieters fallout

The Nationals may have to make other moves after signing Matt Wieters. (Getty Images/Jim McIsaac)
The Nationals may have to make other moves after signing Matt Wieters. (Getty Images/Jim McIsaac)

Welcome to The Stew’s Spring Headlines, our daily look at the biggest MLB stories and news items from around spring training. Here you’ll find a quick recap of all the day’s action and other fun stuff from around the internet that we think is worth your time.

BIGGEST NEWS OF THE DAY: The Washington Nationals have agreed to sign free-agent catcher Matt Wieters to a two-year, $21 million deal. The 30-year-old Wieters hit .243/.302/.409, with 17 home runs, over 464 plate appearances with the Baltimore Orioles last season. Wieters’ deal contains an opt-out after just one year, so he could leave Washington following 2017 if he has a strong season. [The Stew]

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NOW WHAT? With Wieters in tow, the Nationals will likely look to move Derek Norris. Norris was expected to begin the season as the team’s primary option at the position after he was acquired in a trade in December. By signing Wieters, Norris will shift into a backup role. Problem is, the team has both Jose Lobaton and Pedro Severino to fill that spot. Norris may have the most value of the bunch, making him the easiest to deal. [@ThomasBoswellWP]

KEEP TALKING: The Chicago White Sox are expected to rekindle trade talks with the Nationals now that they signed Wieters. Chicago continues to dangle reliever David Robertson, but they are said to want a catcher in return. With Wieters in tow, the Nationals now have a surplus at the position, and may be more willing to make a deal. [@jaysonst]

CHANGES: Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated that there would be no major rule changes in 2017. While the commissioner pushed for certain changes, the MLB Players Association would not agree to his proposals. Manfred did, however, indicate that significant changes could come in 2018, when the owners have more control over the situation. [The Stew]

NOT SO FAST: Despite Manfred’s proclamation, one change might be hitting the league this year. The owners and the MLBPA have reportedly agreed on a dugout signal for the intentional walk. If true, this means pitchers will no longer have to throw four pitches out of the zone in order to intentionally walk a player. The manager will just make the signal, and the player will head down to first base. [@hbryant42]

Garrett Richards is throwing 90 mph after having arm trouble last season. (Getty Images/Ronald Martinez)
Garrett Richards is throwing 90 mph after having arm trouble last season. (Getty Images/Ronald Martinez)

HE’S READY: Los Angeles Angels starter Garrett Richards is back to throwing 98 mph after receiving a PRP injection last season. The procedure allowed him to avoid having Tommy John surgery. [Jeff Passan]

TIME FOR A COMEBACK: Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Eric Gagne is willing to throw for teams on back-to-back days. He’s reportedly hitting 91-92 mph with his fastball, and could draw interest from a number of clubs despite the fact that he’s 41 and hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2008. [@JonHeyman]

NO CHANCE FOR A COMEBACK: New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez is officially done playing baseball. Rodriguez is focused on working with the young Yankees during camp. Though he has received some offers to return to the game, he was turned them down. [Tim Brown]

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik