Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera figures to be traded this offseason, but don’t expect it to be to the Nationals. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

The Indians are known to be shopping Cabrera as they retool under new manager Terry Francona, and are reportedly trying to deal him by the end of this week’s Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tennessee. The Nationals don’t figure to be part of the discussions for Cabrera, though stranger things have happened.

To acquire Cabrera, the Nationals need to trade either Ian Desmond or Danny Espinosa to create a spot in the lineup for him. Cabrera is too good of a player to be on the bench, and acquiring him without starting him would be both expensive and controversial. Though there’s been some speculation that Espinosa could be traded while his value is high, current super-utility man Steve Lombardozzi would be his most realistic short-term replacement to buy time for top prospect Anthony Rendon.

Don’t expect Cabrera to be wearing a Nationals jersey next year, but again, stranger things have happened.