Washington Nationals: The best trade deadline deal they can make this summer
![VIERA, FL - MARCH 15: The cap, sunglasses and Rawlings glove of Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals are shown on the steps of the dugout during a spring training game against the Houston Astros at FITTEAM Ballpark on March 15, 2018 in Viera, Florida. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1db44cd07a69cafd8cec305860e6d2068df70968cfcfe3f2cd5bff76ba6bd2cd.jpg)
We all expect the Washington Nationals to have another active trade deadline. The best deal they can make is an extension for Bryce Harper.
We’re months away from the exciting trade deadline frenzy that comes every July 31. However, it’s already clear the best move the Washington Nationals can make in July is agreeing to an extension with Bryce Harper.
The topic of “what happens to Bryce Harper” will remain throughout the 2018 campaign. It’s a big deal. The Nationals may lose their franchise-changing star to free agency. The other option, he stays in D.C. and rides with them for another decade.
Come July, the Nationals will probably need to make a few changes to the roster. Perhaps they will look to add a bullpen piece or someone to the bench. Maybe another guy will even suffer an injury, leading to a bigger acquisition. Regardless of what other moves they make, the trade deadline season for the Nationals needs an extension with Harper to headline the transactions.
It’s not completely preposterous to believe Harper will sign an extension in the middle of the season. For as much as he would probably love to stroke his ego in free agency, his heart may already belong to the Nationals. Not every girl shows up to the dance dateless, ready for suitors to approach. Harper may already have the desire to stay with the Nationals.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
When the Nationals signed Stephen Strasburg to an extension, it happened in the May before his potential free agency. Two years ago, the Nationals saw the value in retaining Strasburg. They knew once he became available to other teams they were at risk to lose him.
I don’t think the Nationals and Harper are quite there yet when it comes to an extension. But if the Nationals are running away with the division, and having a lot of fun while doing it, why wouldn’t Harper want to stay?
Year in and year out the Nationals show their players and fans that there is a desire to win. Since signing Jayson Werth several years ago, they have entered every offseason prepared to spend. Not many other teams can say this.
Next: Nationals lack opportunities for prospect Andrew Stevenson
Harper wants to get paid. No matter what team he agrees to play for, his wallet will fatten up.
The best boost the Washington Nationals can get this summer is seeing their star player agree to an extension. From a momentum standpoint, it would give the Nationals an intangible push unavailable to the rest of their rivals.