The topic of extending players, especially position players is something Nationals fans are hyper aware about. Over the years, the Nats have failed to extend a lot of their homegrown stars. Players such as Bryce Harper, Juan Soto, and Anthony Rendon have all walked, or been traded before they would have walked in free agency.
One thing all three of those players have in common is that they are represented by super agent Scott Boras, who advices his clients to go to the open market. Some of the Nationals young stars, including James Wood and Dylan Crews are also represented by him.