Desmond's contract extensions have not proceeded well with the Nationals this offseason. It looks like Desmond will be playing 2015 in the last year of his contract with the promise of some huge money. (Comcast Sportsnet)
Fantasy Impact
Desmond has the potential for a huge payday and has incentive to return to 2014's huge season. He should have 20 or more HR and 20 or more steals again and could raises his average to about .280. The fear, though, is that his strikeout rate continues to rise and his average falls and so do his overall numbers. He has the incentive of a contract year, fueling him to work on his batting and seeing more pitches. Spring Training will show us a lot, hopefully good things like more walks, but there is no reason to think he won't repeat his 20/20 for a 4th year in a row. He should be the best SS in fantasy baseball this year.