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Four Washington Nationals Who Could Be Traded In 2019

By Matt Holleran

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 05: General Manager Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals introduces Manager Dusty Baker (not pictured) at Nationals Park on November 5, 2015 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 05: General Manager Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals introduces Manager Dusty Baker (not pictured) at Nationals Park on November 5, 2015 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

3.   CP Sean Doolittle

If it was not for Sean Doolittle, the Washington Nationals realistically could have the worst record in Major League Baseball.  Doolittle has been the only positive in a Washington bullpen who is statistically on pace to be one of, if not the, worst bullpen in Major League Baseball history. Despite the struggles of the bullpen as a whole, the former All-Star Doolittle is performing like he deserves a trip to Cleveland this July.

In 23 appearances Doolittle has a 3.52 E.R.A. In 23 innings he has struck out 28 batters and walked just seven. He has just 10 saves on the year, but this has nothing to do with his production and all to do with Washington failing to give him chances to close out wins this season. The left-hander closer is a two-time All-Star, and if made available on the trade market, would be the most coveted relief arm this summer.

Washington faces a tough decision this summer in regards to potentially dealing Doolittle. If they want to be back in contention in 2020, can they build a team without Doolittle that can do this? At 32-year-old the lefty has a six million dollar club option on his contract for the 2020 season. If the Nationals keep Doolittle six million is a bargain price for one of the best closers in all of baseball.

The decision likely will come down to what Washington can get in return. With so many playoff contending teams looking for bullpen help, the demand for Doolittle likely will be high. The Nationals could probably get a top-five prospect from whoever they deal Doolittle too, and that has to be enticing for the Washington front office. Overall, what Washington decided to do with Doolittle likely will hinge on what happens to the next man on our list.

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