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Nationals want Adam LaRoche signed by Christmas, according to report

The Washington Nationals have set a soft deadline for Adam LaRoche to re-sign with the team, but they expect he will do so.

By Connor Moylan
Mike Zarrilli

The Washington Nationals want free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche to return to the team, and are hoping to have his situation resolved by Christmas, according to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post.

The Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers are also interested in the LaRoche. LaRoche is looking for a three-year deal, while Washington is hesitant for anything past a two-year deal.

The Nationals could start Michael Morse at first base, but the team has made it clear they prefer to sign LaRoche and trade Morse.

LaRoche is coming off his most successful season as a major-leaguer, posting a .271/.343/.510 triple slash. The first baseman also hit 33 home runs, the highest home run total of his career, and had the highest WAR of his career as well.

LaRoche did have to undergo season-ending surgery in 2011 on his shoulder, which might cause teams to be hesitant about a long-term deal.