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Washington Nationals: Four possible trades at the Winter Meetings

By Blake Finney

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 05: Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo watches the team take batting practice before the start of their game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park on June 5, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 05: Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo watches the team take batting practice before the start of their game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park on June 5, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Washington Nationals Ryan Buchter
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Ryan Buchter, RP

It almost seems like a yearly dance these days that the Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics discuss a trade. This time, Ryan Buchter would be an interesting piece to change hands if the two sides come to yet another arrangement.

The Nats are still on the lookout for one last bullpen arm, possibly one who can double as a lefty specialist and a high-leverage pitcher if needed. Buchter has recorded three straight seasons with a sub-3.00 ERA while striking out more than a batter per inning.

During his career, left-handed hitters have only able to slash .165/.247/.292 against him compared to a .199/.299/.364 line against right-handers. So with those splits and the consistently low ERA, Buchter fits exactly the need the Nats might be after, as well as having three seasons of arbitration remaining on his deal.

When the A’s acquired Buchter, along with Brandon Moss, they sent Jesse Hahn and Heath Fillmyer to the Kansas City Royals for the left-hander. Now, with the team’s need for a starting pitcher this offseason, it could give us an idea about a trade package.

Someone like Tanner Roark would be a perfect fit for the Athletics, as they try to fill in their rotation with a cost-effective option due to the absence of Sean Manaea. Roark’s pitch-to-contact tendencies are also something that the cavernous Oakland Coliseum could support and help him thrive. A straight swap here could easily happen.

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