Many believe the New York Mets will be players for Ian Desmond on the free agent market.

The Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins could also be in the running to sign the shortstop.

The Washington Nationals will hire Bud Black as manager, according to a report.

The club isn't expected to make a formal announcement until after the World Series.

Black, 58, was fired by the San Diego Padres in June when they were in third place in the National League West at 32-33.

Dusty Baker was also in the running for the job.

The Washington Nationals have called Dusty Baker and Bud Black back for second interviews as they look to hire a new manager.

At this point it appears as though one of the two will replace Matt Williams.

The Nationals interviewed other candidates, but no one else has been called back for a second interview.

Dusty Baker sat down with the Washington Nationals for a three-plus hour interview recently.

The former Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds manager is looking for another shot.

"It was extensive. I mean, they really didn't know me there," Baker said of his interview. "People think they know you through word of mouth, but it's somebody else's opinion. I mean, they don't really know you until you talk to somebody. Then, it's like, 'Wow, I didn't know you were like that.' So it was good."

Baker said that he reached out to San Diego Padres president Mike Dee as well, through a mutual friend, who told him about his interest.

Dusty Baker and Ron Gardenhire have shown interest in managing the Washington Nationals, who parted ways with Matt Williams earlier this month.

“I would think Ron would definitely be interested in the Nats job," said agent John Boggs. "It's a very attractive job and city, and a good team. What's not to like? For someone wanting to get back into managing, it's a great opportunity."

Baker himself spoke to Wagner over the phone and confirmed his interest. He has also been linked to the Miami Marlins in reports.

Cal Ripken Jr. acknowledged being interested in the Nationals' managerial opening, saying during a recent radio interview that he would "answer the phone" if called by Washington GM Mike Rizzo, according to an ESPN.com report.

Phil Nevin has received interest from the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins for their managerial vacancies.

Nevin has been manager of the Reno Aces, AAA affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, since the 2014 season.

Dusty Baker and Ron Gardenhire are interested in the Washington Nationals' managerial vacancy.

Gardenhire is said to be rejuvenated after a year away from the job.

The Washington Nationals will likely target a manager with previous experience to replace Matt Williams.

Bud Black would be a logical choice, though Cal Ripken's name has come up as well.

Matt Williams has been fired as manager of the Washington Nationals.

The Nationals entered the season as a World Series favorite, but had an 83-79 record and finished seven games behind the New York Mets.

"We had some things that went sideways and we had a whole bunch of injuries, and not much you can do about that except adjust and move on," Williams said Sunday after a season-ending 1-0 loss to the Mets. "We're all disappointed in the outcome. ... It all ends very abruptly."

Williams guided the Nationals to the East division title with an NL-best 96-66 record in 2014.

Williams was signed through the 2016 season.