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Nationals Rumors: Nats send rep to watch Baltimore Orioles trade bait

By Blake Finney

BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 27: Zach Britton #53 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 27, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 27: Zach Britton #53 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 27, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Nationals rumors are coming thick and fast. It was reported on Monday evening that the Nats sent a representative to Camden Yards.

The MLB Trade Deadline approaches, Washington Nationals rumors are everywhere. A report on Monday evening noted that a representative of the team was sent to watch the Baltimore Orioles.

The Orioles and Nationals have a lot of friction between them, but that doesn’t completely rule out a deal. If the Nats come in and blow them away with an offer, then the O’s would be foolish not to consider it.

Eddie Matz of ESPN noted that several teams were in attendance at Camden Yards on Monday. The Nationals were among them and could have been there to view several players.

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Zach Britton a possible target

The report notes Zach Britton as a prime candidate, and with good reason. Britton has a 3.45 ERA and has recorded four saves since returning from the disabled list.

He has the potential to be a game-changing arm at the back-end of any major league bullpen. So if the Nationals were looking to acquire Zach Britton it would come at a reasonable cost.

Based on the prospects in the Manny Machado deal, the O’s would likely look for a few high-upside, but far away prospects. So perhaps a deal around Yasel Antuna, Jackson Tetreault, and Anderson Franco would be enough.

Kevin Gausman a rotation upgrade

However, a name probably of more interest to the Washington Nationals is Kevin Gausman, who started the game. On Monday he went 4.2 innings, giving up five runs on three hits and three walks, striking out just two.

But overall Gausman is a handy mid-rotation starter and with a couple more years of control, an ideal target for the Nats. With Gio Gonzalez out of contract this off-season, he would upgrade the starting pitching this year and beyond.

The Orioles are still big fans of Kevin Gausman, so like Britton, he won’t come cheap. The Nats would likely have to give up the highly touted Luis Garcia in this deal, along with a few more highly regarded prospects. Put in Wil Crowe, Daniel Johnson, and Telmito Agustin and you’ve got a tempting package for the Orioles to consider.

Next: Nats should not trade Bryce

The Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles are two perfect trade partners if they can get past their differences. The O’s have some useful pieces the Nats would love, so we’ll see if a deal does materialize.

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