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Washington Nationals: Five possible starting pitching trade targets

By Monty Taylor

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 11: General manager Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals looks on during batting practice against the St. Louis Cardinals during Game Four of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 11, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 11: General manager Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals looks on during batting practice against the St. Louis Cardinals during Game Four of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 11, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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Washington Nationals Danny Duffy
MILWAUKEE, WI – JUNE 27: Danny Duffy #41 of the Kansas City Royals pitches in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on June 27, 2018, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Danny Duffy

Danny Duffy and the Kansas City Royals have had a season to forget. Could the Washington Nationals and Royals work out a second deal in a matter of weeks?

At 26-65, the team is definitely selling at the deadline. Their lefty starter will be one of their most highly-coveted assets despite his 4.89 ERA this season.

Adding Duffy would feel much like the Jeremy Hellickson signing. While it wouldn’t add much excitement among the fan-base, the team would add depth and improve.

And coming over from a last place team could provide Duffy with a bit of motivation that’s been lacking while playing for a last-place team.

Duffy feels like a prototypical Mike Rizzo-esque acquisition. It would solve a short-term problem while serving a long-term purpose.

He’s been on the mound in multiple World Series and is under contract through the 2021 season. It’d be an under-the-radar move that would provide the Nationals with much-needed rotation depth and experience.

Even though there are multiple years of team control, Duffy’s struggles combined with his extensive injury history could drive his price down. With the Royals desperate to rebuild and stock their farm system, the Nationals could bring him to D.C. without parting with a top 5 prospect.

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