If Carlos Peña does not re-sign with the Tampa Bay Rays, he could be a good fit for the Washington Nationals, says Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. The Nationals want to emphasize defense, so it’s unlikely the team will re-sign Adam Dunn.

Last week, Peña said, “My heart is with this ballclub,” but later added, “I don’t hold all the cards.” Peña is a free-agent after the season, and the team is expected to shed payroll under the $60 million mark for next season down from $72 million on Opening Day 2010, so there’s a good chance that Pena will not be back with the Rays next season. Some experts pegged Peña’s deal to be anywhere from a 2-3 year deal for $10-12 million per season.

As for Dunn, he may be better off going to the American League and assume the designated hitter position. He has been reluctant to give up fielding, so he’s been staying away from the American League. If he does go to the AL, the Baltimore Orioles could be a good fit for him. Despite his defensive liabilities, his 38 home runs along with the “fear and protection they bring to a lineup” still have value.