I've become convinced that the Nats will not re-sign one of their system-developed players instead of letting him walk in free agency unless the player is willing to take a discount to what he will get (or generally is perceived to be able to get). I think this is a consistent thread through JZ, Desmond, Ramos, Strasburg, Harper, and will apply to Rendon and Turner (the next to go). As it turns out, JZ had a somewhat down year in his walk year, and Desi cratered, but I think both the offers to them were seeking discount to their perceived value one year out. Strasburg clearly took a discount at the time (he also got the opt out). Harper's deferrals were a joke.