Trade Deadline Preview: Washington Nationals
Jun 9, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche (25) high fives teammates after the win against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. The Washington Nationals defeated the San Francisco Giants 9-2. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014 Washington Nationals are eerily similar to the 2013 Nationals. However, in 2014 they do have an excuse as many of their key players have missed time due to injuries. It also does not seem like anyone is going to run away with the National League East like the Atlanta Braves did in 2013.
As of right now the Nationals and Braves have been jockeying for position, both have been in first place in the NL East at some point this season. Bryce Harper is finally back in the lineup after missing a little over two months with a thumb injury. Gio Gonzalez is also back to pitching for the Nationals which solidifies their rotation.
On paper coming into the season the Nationals were expected to be one of the teams to beat in the National League. With a fully healthy team they should be able to capture those expectations and finally break through and dominant with a stacked starting rotation and bullpen. However, they do have some holes to file as the trade deadline approaches.
Apr 25, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper (34) runs down first base after hitting a three run triple in the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Needs to be addressed:
1. Center field
Denard Span has been playing centerfield and leading off for the Nationals for most of the year. Span has done a decent job but there is without a doubt room for improvement as he only has a .267 batting average and and OBP of .310 while stealing 13 bases. Again those are not terrible numbers but they could definitely be improved upon in the trade market.
2. Infield Depth
With the return of Harper the infield of the Nationals will get a little more clustered because Ryan Zimmerman will move from left field back into the infield wherever that may be at the moment. However, the Nationals lack a stand out bench player that can come in when someone gets hurt and not skip a beat. Danny Espinosa has performed poorly throughout the year, only batting .217, and Kevin Frandsen, another back-up infielder, has not been much better.
3. Speed
Another area where Harper will immediately contribute to is speed for the Nationals but it still will not be enough. The Nationals on the year have a total of 43 stolen bases which ranks them near the bottom, 11th, in the National League. The departure of Roger Bernadina took away their pinch-running base stealing threat that many teams covet down the stretch run.
Jun 22, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche (25) hits an RBI single against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Who could be moved:
1. Adam LaRoche
LaRoche has had another fantastic year for the Nationals after a lackluster performance 2013. He has regained his 2012 form when he finished 6th in the MVP voting for the NL. However, the Nationals are not very comfortable with Zimmerman moving back to third base, young stand-out Anthony Rendon has performed brilliantly at the position this year, and have talked about Zimmerman moving to first base. This would leave LaRoche on the outside looking in. He is also in the final year of his contract and multiple teams could bid for his services if he was to be on the market, thus the Nationals could fill another hole in a trade involving LaRoche.
2. Drew Storen
Storen has been fantastic this year, along with many other bullpen arms for the Nationals, posting an ERA of 1.06. Storen has proven that he can be a closer in the past, 43 saves in 2011, and he is only 26 years old. With that being the Nationals can stand to benefit from trading Storen. He will most likely garnish a solid return as many clubs are looking for a reliable closer, such as the Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants.
3. Denard Span
Trading Span would most likely happen if the Nationals were able to acquire a second baseman or a left fielder. This would enable them to move Harper to centerfield, a position he has openly said he would like to play, or they could keep Zimmerman in the outfield if a second baseman was acquired. Moving Harper to centerfield would give him the chance to display his speed and strong arm, an upgrade on the defensive side of the field.
May 29, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Martin Prado (14) hits an RBI single during the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Who could be targeted:
1. Daniel Murphy
The Mets have been open to trading Murphy, seemingly not willing to open their piggy banks and giving him an extension. Murphy is not the greatest defenders at second base but he currently leads the NL in hits and would fortify the Nationals lineup. However, it may be difficult for the Nationals to acquire Murphy because they share a division with the Mets and Murphy has been highly coveted by the Mets. He might be out of their price range.
2. Ben Zobrist
Zobrist has been rumored to be moved at the deadline as the Tampa Bay Rays are out of contention and are willing to give up just about anyone for the right price. This would give the Nationals at very valuable piece as Zobrist can play the middle infield positions and can also play the outfield. The price will most likely be steep but nothing the Nationals would not be able to fulfill.
3. Martin Prado
The Arizona Diamondbacks 2014 season was basically over before it even truly started. Having been at the bottom of the NL West for most of the year the Diamondbacks are rumored to be willing to move everyone not named Paul Goldschmidt. Prado would be a great fit in Washington, having played every infield position at one point in his career and having the capability to play the outfield. He has been struggling offensively this year but being put on a contending team and better lineup should give Prado the jolt he needs, being career .291 hitter.