It does not appear that the Washington Nationals and Adam Dunn will be able to strike a contract extension before the season ends and Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post believes Dunn is likely heading to free agency.

On Friday, Dunn said that nothing is imminent and he is “assuming” he will end the season without a contract extension from the Nationals. The Nationals can offer one-year arbitration to Dunn and they will have an exclusive window to negotiate with Dunn until 15 days after the World Series. But players eligible for free agency rarely pass up the chance to test their value.

GM Mike Rizzo said he and Dunns’ agents are in communication and continue to discuss a possible deal. If the Nationals offer Dunn arbitration and he declines and they don’t sign him, they will receive two compensatory draft choices.

Earlier this week Dunn mentioned that he likes Chicago and Wrigley Field, and the Cubs are looking for a first baseman, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the two sides talk this winter.

Dunn is in the final year of a two-year, $20 million deal.