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Washington Nationals: Five potential waiver trade candidates

By Blake Finney

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 28: General manager Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals talks to the media after a 5-1 victory against the Cincinnati Reds at Nationals Park on September 28, 2015 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 28: General manager Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals talks to the media after a 5-1 victory against the Cincinnati Reds at Nationals Park on September 28, 2015 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Washington Nationals Jose Iglesias
DETROIT, MI – JULY 8: Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers makes the throw to first base during the sixth inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at Comerica Park July 8, 2018, in Detroit. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Jose Iglesias, SS – Detroit Tigers

While the Washington Nationals have a perennial All-Star shortstop in Trea Turner, they could look to add depth in Jose Iglesias. The Detroit Tigers are far from contending this year, so could look to offload the Cuban infielder.

Iglesias has long been regarded as a defensive whizz at shortstop throughout his career. This is evidenced by the fact he’s never had a negative dWAR season, according to Baseball Reference.

He also has a nice enough hit tool as well, with a career .270 average, but he’s never hit for much power. If that’s sounds familiar, it’s because the Nationals have a player in the same mold on their roster.

Wilmer Difo has been able to fill in admirably across the infield when the Nats have had injuries. And while he may have a long-term role with the team, for 2018 there’s a big hole in his game. He’s not been the best pinch-hitter in his career.

Difo has just a .189/.267/.232 batting line as a pinch hitter, all of which are over 100 lower than as a starter. Iglesias, on the other hand, is more than adept coming off the bench. He sports a .364/.417/.455 batting line in a pinch-hitting role.

His contract is up at the end of the season, and Difo has an option left so he can be sent to Triple-A to make space. Iglesias would be a fine upgrade coming off the bench while being a great defensive replacement in the middle of the infield too.

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