MLB Trade Rumors: Nationals Interested in Diamondbacks Gerardo Parra

Bill Ladson of MLB.com is reporting that the Washington Nationals have expressed interest in Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Gerardo Parra.  Washington has been eyeing outfielders for most of the offseason, specifically center fielders, and Parra is viewed as more available due to his current listing as Arizona’s fourth outfielder.

Many around the game were surprised when the Arizona Diamondbacks signed free agent outfielder Jason Kubel to a three-year deal this offseason.  Few were shocked to see Kubel obtain such a deal, but it was an odd signing for a team that was already thought to boast three above average outfielders.

The Kubel signing essentially turned Parra into a fourth outfielder, which was interesting considering he is 24 years old, received a Gold Glove in 2011 and maintained an OPS of .784 last season.

This has caused teams to check in with the Diamondbacks regarding Parra, and the most recent club to do so is reportedly the Washington Nationals.

Washington could do any number of things with Parra, one being plug him in as their everyday center fielder.  While Parra is able to man all three outfield positions, he hasn’t started more than seven games in center field since the 2009 season.

The Nationals could also view Parra as an option as their everyday left fielder or simply as outfield depth.

It doesn’t appear a trade is on the horizon, as Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic later added that the Nationals and Diamondbacks are not currently discussing a trade.  Still, Parra should be a player to watch this spring as Piecoro did confirm that several teams have expressed interest in the outfielder this offseason.

For more on the Nationals and Diamondbacks, be sure to check out District on Deck and Venom Strikes.

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