Nationals acquire Adam Eaton; Rockies land Ian Desmond

The Washington Nationals did make a deal with the Chicago White Sox during their hometown winter meetings, after all, only it was for center fielder Adam Eaton, not lefty Chris Sale.

The price of Wednesday’s swap was still steep: Washington parted with three young pitchers, including top prospect Lucas Giolito, hard-throwing Reynaldo Lopez — who made the team’s postseason roster — and 2016 first-round draft pick Dane Dunning.

“It’s never easy to let go of your prospects,” Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo said. “You feel like a proud daddy when they get to the big leagues.”

The trade came on the last day of the so-called “hot stove” sessions outside the nation’s capital, allowing Rizzo to avoid leaving empty-handed after failing in a bid to get Sale, who instead went from the White Sox to the Boston Red Sox.

Desmond gets five-year deal

All-Star free agent outfielder Ian Desmond and the Colorado Rockies have agreed to a $70-million, five-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the agreement had not been announced.

A versatile 31-year-old, Desmond hit .285 with 22 homers and 86 RBIs this year in his lone season with Texas, earning his first All-Star trip since 2012. He played shortstop from 2011-15, then was shifted to the outfield by the Rangers. Colorado may move him to first base.

Desmond was a free agent last off-season and agreed to an $8 million, one-year deal with the Rangers in late February after turning down Washington’s $15.8-million qualifying offer.

Etc.

Closer Fernando Rodney and the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a $2.75-million, one-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the agreement is subject to a physical. Rodney, who turns 40 on March 18, has 261 saves and a 3.69 ERA in 14 major league seasons. … Left-hander Jeff Locke has agreed to a one-year contract with the Miami Marlins worth $3,025,000. … Outfielder Carlos Gomez agreed to an $11.5-million, one-year contract to remain with the Texas Rangers. Gomez, who was released by Houston in August after hitting .210 in 85 games, batted .284 in 33 games with the Rangers. ...

Free agent outfielder Matt Holliday, who turns 37 next month, and the New York Yankees have finalized a $13-million, one-year contract. A seven-time All-Star with a .303 career average, Holliday was drafted by Colorado in 1998, traded to Oakland after the 2008 season and then dealt to St. Louis the following July. He hit .246 with 20 homers and 62 RBIs in 110 games this year, missing substantial time after his left thumb was broken when he was hit by a pitch on Aug. 11. … Former Oakland Athletics announcer Bill King has won the Ford C. Frick Award presented by the Hall of Fame for excellence in broadcasting. King, who died in 2005 after 25 years of calling A’s games, liked to punctuate big plays with his signature exclamation of “Holy Toledo!” He also was known for his handlebar mustache and beard, making his face as well as his voice familiar with fans.