Washington Nationals rumors: Nats should not trade Victor Robles
Nationals rumors have reported the team considering trading top prospect Victor Robles. They have refused to do so in the past and should maintain that stance now.
Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo has accomplished what every GM strives to do: he has built a contender at the major league level, while also building a strong farm system. The Nats currently have three top-100 prospects, as well as many others who project to become impactful major leaguers, leading to plenty of Nationals rumors as the deadline approaches.
Now that Juan Soto has graduated prospect status, Victor Robles is the cream of the crop. The 21-year-old outfielder is the Nats’ top prospect and the fifth-ranked prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB.com.
As Nationals rumors have discussed trades over the last few years, Robles’ name has understandably come up. However, Rizzo refused to part with him, even for superstars, such as Chris Sale and J.T. Realmuto.
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That is, until now.
Several reporters, including Jon Heyman and Craig Mish, are reporting that the Nats are willing to deal Robles for Realmuto. Rizzo and the Nats have maintained a strong stance on Robles in the past, but according to these recent Nationals rumors, they could presumably deal him out of desperation sometime in the next few days.
The Nats have had an underwhelming season as a whole, but their catching corps has been horrific. Led by Matt Wieters and his .196 batting average, Nats catchers have combined for a league-worst .186 average.
Wieters has made a difference with the pitching staff, but his bat is well below league-average. In other words, he is the ideal backup catcher. Realmuto is arguably the best catcher in the league and one of the only backstops available, hence the Nats’ strong interest.
Despite having a black hole at catcher and sitting six games back in the division, the Nats should not trade Robles for Realmuto.
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Robles is an extraordinary talent capable of becoming a perennial all-star. Last year, as a 20-year-old, he impressed the Nats enough during his cup of coffee to make the postseason roster. Now, he owns a .364/.440/.545 slash line in triple-A.
Had Robles not been hurt when Howie Kendrick ruptured his achilles in May, he likely would have been called up instead of Soto. Now, he is still in the minors and is reportedly a trade chip.
Although there is not a spot for Robles in the majors right now, he could step into an everyday role as soon as next season. If Bryce Harper departs in free agency, Robles is his heir in the outfield. A trio of Robles, Soto, and Adam Eaton would be outstanding for years to come, not to mention much cheaper than an outfield including Harper.
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J.T. Realmuto would undoubtedly be a terrific addition to the Washington Nationals, as they would be getting at least two and a half years of an elite catcher. But, he comes at a price. If that price is Victor Robles, Rizzo should hang up the phone.