Washington Nationals: What to expect in Winter Meetings based on simulation

Trading Drew Ward and Taylor Gushue for Yangervis Solarte

Howie Kendrick served as somewhat of a utility player for the Nats in 2017, playing first base, second base, left field, and right field. However, he is now a free agent and the Nats could use another player with defensive versatility.

In order to fill this need, I traded for Yangervis Solarte. Solarte, a 30-year-old infielder, has put together a solid four-year career so far between the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. While he is not spectacular, he is consistently good and provides lots of defensive versatility.

Throughout his four-year career, he owns a slash line of .267/.327/.419, which is not bad for a depth player. If the Nats were to acquire Solarte, he would likely serve as a back-up infielder along with Wilmer Difo.

While Solarte is primarily a second baseman, he also played first base, shortstop, and third base in 2017. This defensive versatility would give Dave Martinez some much-appreciated flexibility.

In order to acquire Solarte, I had to part ways with prospects Drew Ward and Taylor Gushue. Ward is a 23-year-old third baseman who spent 2017 playing for double-A Harrisburg. In 121 games, he hit .235 with 20 homers.

In addition to Ward, catching prospect Taylor Gushue would be heading to San Diego. Gushue is 23 as well, and is coming off of a decent 2017 season. In 95 games between single-A Potomac and double-A Harrisburg, he hit .236 with 18 homers. However, he is somewhat expendable because the Nats also have Pedro Severino and Raudy Read in their farm system.

If the Nats acquire Solarte in real life, he would serve as a solid back-up infielder and pinch-hitter.