Washington Nationals: Seven players that could be traded away
By Blake Finney
Adam Eaton
The decision on whether or not to trade Adam Eaton will entirely depend on the future of fellow outfielder Bryce Harper. It’s pretty simple, if Harper returns, Eaton will likely be shown the door, if Harper leaves, Eaton stays.
Let’s stick with the potential scenario that Harper returns, that would leave Victor Robles to occupy centerfield, with Juan Soto and Harper on the corners. Eaton likely earns too much to be a fourth outfielder, with a $4.7 million annual average in 2019, which will rise if his options are picked up for 2020 and 2021.
While Eaton’s power was depleted in 2018, he still had an impressive .301 batting average and .394 on-base percentage. Those numbers would be perfect as a leadoff hitter, which is how the Nats tended to use him when healthy, but they have Trea Turner who seems to be ready to take over there.
Just over two years ago, the Nats gave up a haul for Eaton in the form of Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Dane Dunning. While they wouldn’t expect something along those lines in return, with the affordability of his contract, they could easily get a top 100 prospect and some complimentary pieces.
He would be a great fit for a team that’s not necessarily rebuilding, but looking to get a more affordable roster. The likes of the Cleveland Indians make a lot of sense, as do the Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics should the team go down the road of trading Eaton.