That would be a pretty good plot twist if we let Strasburg go, and picked up Cole. It does seem plausible as Rizzo seems far more willing to go for big long term deals on pitchers, but not position players.
As far as Rendon and Stras. That's really not so much a short term money issue. It's about Rizzo balking at giving out 8-10 years to Rendon of which 4-5 years are going to be dead money. I'm sure they'd glady take Stras and Rendon on for 3x40 each. The goal for this organization seems to be to be competitive every year and stay just under the cap. Having long term deals that will inevitably lead to 30-40m/year in dead money does not work for that model.
Further plot twist. Nats sign both Cole and Stras. Rendon goes elsewhere
Nats spend big on SP isn't a shock tho. They just won a World Series on Great SP, Timely hitting, and brass balls
I don't see Rendon coming back. They afforded $210/7 already right?
But I do see them spending big on SP
