According to Ben Goessling of MASNSports.com, there’s strong interest within the Washington Nationals organization in free-agent-to-be Carl Crawford. However, the Nationals will not be alone in their pursuit this winter. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are also believed to be interested in the Tampa Bay Rays’ left fielder. It’s expected that Crawford could command a contract over $70 million.

In April, we talked about Crawford being in the $12-14 million per season range, a figure that the Rays cannot afford especially since team owner Stuart Sternberg said the team’s payroll will be under $60 million next year. At the time when Crawford was told that the Yankees were interested in him, Crawford said, “I don’t think about other teams. I’m only concerned with what goes on with the Rays.”

Goessling adds that the Nationals would more likely pursue Crawford than Philadelphia Phillies Jayson Werth. Werth, another free-agent-to-be, could command $100 million in free agency, but is deemed an injury risk.

Crawford, 29, is making $10 million this season from his club option that was exercised in November. He is currently hitting .297/.352/.475 with 12 home runs and 59 RBIs.