

Ross Detwiler. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Ahead of Tuesday night’s deadline, the Nationals tendered contracts to all 10 players eligible for arbitration, including infielder Danny Espinosa and left-hander Ross Detwiler, two players who had questions about their status. Aside from Espinosa and Detwiler, the group of players also offered contracts includes Jerry Blevins, Tyler Clippard, Doug Fister, Jose Lobaton, Wilson Ramos, Craig Stammen, Drew Storen and Stephen Strasburg.

Detwiler was a candidate, though an unlikely one, to be non-tendered after a season during which his role diminished — from being inserted into the bullpen to being used sporadically and pitching inconsistently to being left off the playoff roster — and because he was projected to make more than $3 million to be a reliever who didn’t appear to have the Nationals’ trust. He had a 4.00 ERA last season.

But General Manager Mike Rizzo recently said he envisions using Detwiler in the same role as last season, and by preventing him from becoming a free agent, the Nationals ensured they have the option of trading him. Also, should the Nationals trade any of the starters who have one year of control left and haven’t inked long-term deals — Fister and Jordan Zimmermann — Detwiler could serve as starting depth.

Espinosa also struggled last season, hitting .219 and striking out 122 times in 333 at-bats. Despite an inconsistent bat, the Nationals need Espinosa because, as of now, he is the team’s only second baseman. (Anthony Rendon, who also can play second, will play third base next season.) The Nationals are looking for a second baseman this offseason. Should they fail to find one, Espinosa could man the position. If not, he could serve as a backup middle infielder with strong defense, a role he filled much of last season. Espinosa is projected, according to MLBTradeRumors.com’s arbitration calculator, to make $2.3 million in his first season of arbitration.

Although Blevins posted a 4.87 ERA last season, the highest among the Nationals relievers, he was tendered a contract because he is tough against left-handed batters, finished the season strong and comes at an affordable price (a projected $2.2 million). He and Detwiler are entering their final season of arbitration.

The Nationals’ large group of arbitration-eligible players is expected to make around $49 million next season. Players file for arbitration by Jan. 13, and three days later, teams and agents exchange salary figures. If a player and team can’t settle on a number, they go to an arbitration hearing in early February. (Bryce Harper also could be eligible for arbitration pending a potential grievance hearing with the Nationals this month about a disputed opt-out clause.)