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District On Deck

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 Scooter Gennett
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Scooter Gennett, 2B

Of the trades discussed in this article, this is probably the least likely given the moves made so far. But if the Washington Nationals were able to acquire Scooter Gennett from the Cincinnati Reds, it would get their lineup back to one of the best in the National League.

In his two seasons in Cincinnati, Gennett has hit .303 with 50 home runs and 189 RBI as well as a 124 OPS+. He’s been nothing short of a force at the plate, as the Nationals know all too well with his .333/.354/.553 slash line against them in his career.

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Although the Nats have publicly denied their need for an upgrade at the keystone, relying on a 35-year-old Howie Kendrick and underwhelming Wilmer Difo at the position is unwise. MLBTradeRumors projects the current Reds second baseman to make $10.7 million in his final year of arbitration in 2019. With Carter Kieboom waiting in the wings Gennett would be an impact one-year starter for the team.

While Gennett has been a revelation for the Reds since arriving from the Brewers, in the long run, it may be beneficial to trade him now after an All-Star season. Our sister site, Blog Red Machine, reasoned that with Nick Senzel and Shed Long looming in the minor leagues, an extension for the current second baseman may not make sense.

The Reds’ primary need moving forward is to address the lack of starting pitching that they currently have. So while starting pitching isn’t necessarily the Nationals’ strong suit heading into 2019, the impact that Gennett could have is worth giving up a pair of promising pitching prospects for.

Right now, Erick Fedde likely profiles as the Nats’ number six or seven starter on the depth chart and has several years of control, while he develops, which would make a nice half of the package. Then, Seth Romero would make up the other half as a high-upside prospect that the Reds could look to give a second shot to after off the field issues between college and the pros.

7 players that could be dealt away. dark. Next

It’s still unclear what the Washington Nationals actual activity level will be when representatives from all teams convene in Las Vegas. But if they look to keep up their aggressive approach to the offseason, then we may see a deal be made by the front office.

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