The Washington Nationals could be looking to add some speed to their lineup and outfield. The club is reportedly the front-runner to sign center fielder Michael Bourn, a free agent who has spent the last season and a half in Atlanta.
Bourn, who will be 30 at the start of the 2013 campaign, hit .274/.348/.391 during 2012 while making his second career All-Star appearance. Though he does not provide much power, he does bring a ton of speed on the base paths. Bourn swiped 42 bags and was caught 13 times. He is also prone to the strikeout; the lefty whiffed 155 times in 703 plate appearances.
The speedster made $6.8 million in 2012, his final season of arbitration eligibility. He is represented by Scott Boras and is likely to pursue a multi-year deal rather than accept a one-year deal on a qualifying offer from Atlanta. The Phillies are also rumored to have interest in Bourn's services.