Washington Nationals Trade Rumors

Don’t let the Washington Nationals’ record of 49 and 54 fool you, the club is apparently acting as an aggressive buyer this July.

They already completed a smaller move this week when they acquired Jonny Gomes from the Reds, and now the club appears set on bringing in a young center fielder.

Washington has been tied to several of these types throughout the year, including Denard Span, B.J. Upton, Michael Bourn and Colby Rasmus before yesterday’s mega-trade went down.

It looked like things were starting to get serious last night in regards to trade talks, as the Nationals and Twins were rumored to be discussing a Span for Drew Storen swap.

While it was no news that the Nationals were targeting Span, the real surprise was the fact that Washington may consider moving Storen, their 23 year old closer.

On the year Storen’s been very solid as Washington’s finisher, completing 25 of his 28 save opportunities with an ERA of 2.86 and 0.95 WHIP.  His numbers were actually better before he was roughed up a bit last night by the Marlins.

Washington has shown a proclivity for moving late inning relievers, as last year they acquired Wilson Ramos, who they hope to be their catcher of the future, for closer Matt Capps.

But this situation is different, as Storen is only 23 and affordably under team control for the next few years.

Anyway, while names were being tossed around, a Span to Washington trade didn’t seem imminent last evening.  Just when it appeared the Nationals had finished their trip around the rumor circuit, more excitement took place.

B.J. Upton was held out of last night’s game against the Athletics.  Not only that, but Washington also rested shortstop Ian Desmond.

This created all kinds of rumors, as it’s been said that the Nationals would consider trading Desmond in a deal for a young center fielder.  Would a day filled with trading frenzy end as wildly as it had begun?

No, as is usually the case, this was just a crazy coincidence set upon us by the rumor gods.  Upton was told he there was nothing going on, and no deal was announced before or after action last night.

Still, I’m sure the rumors will continue to spin as we edge closer to July 31^st.

For more on the Nationals, be sure to check out District on Deck.