Today we continue to look at possible Washington Nationals trade targets by examining San Francisco Giants closer Will Smith.
Just eight days away from the 2019 trade deadline, the Washington Nationals clearly have some work to do. Since the beginning of the season, it has been clear their bullpen is a huge issue, and the trade deadline is the perfect chance to address this.
Today we take a look at possibly the best reliever on the trade market, left-hander Will Smith. The Giants’ closer has been one of the best relievers in all of baseball this season, being named a 2019 All-Star and posting a 2.55 ERA to go with a remarkable 63 strikeouts in 42.1 innings. Not to mention Smith also has a 0.921 WHIP, a 2.56 FIP, and 24 saves.
A month ago Smith seemed all but gone from the Giants. The team was 12 games under the .500 mark and held the third-worst record in the entire National League. Flash forward to today and the Giants have gone 13-3 in their last 16 games bringing their record to 51-50 and just two games out of a wild card spot.
Their recent surge has begged the question, will the Giants still sell at the deadline? In Smith’s case, even if they decide to contend he still may be a victim of a trade. All around baseball bullpens are struggling this season, if the Giants put Smith on the market they likely will receive a package too great to turn down.
In the Nationals case, Smith should be and probably is their number one target in the relief market. With the recent report surfacing that Washington is focusing on acquiring left-handed relief help, Smith would be the best possible scenario. With only being on a one-year deal, he will not demand a top 100 type prospect in return, but whatever team acquires him still will likely have to pay a steep haul.
In our mock trade segment on twitter, we mocked a deal that would send Smith and fellow Giants’ reliever Sam Dyson to the Nats in return for this package.
Giants acquire: RHP Will Crowe, 3B Yasel Antuna, OF Gage Canning
Nationals acquire: LHP Will Smith RHP Sam Dyson
If the Nationals decide to go all-in and get Smith, they likely will try to add Dysin to the deal as well. If they were able to pull off a deal for both of the relievers, their bullpen would instantly become capable of taking the team to the postseason.