Washington Nationals Trade Deadline Preview and Predictions
3. Who do you believe is the Nationals’ biggest trade chip?
Ross– The two most significant trade chips are Michael A. Taylor and perhaps Wil Crowe. Though again, I don’t expect any notable names to be on the move.
Tom– Anthony Rendon. If the Nats were to fall off a cliff this week and get dominated at home by the Rockies and Dodgers, they would be forced to once again consider trading Rendon. The Nats losing two elite homegrown players in Rendon and Bryce Harper while getting nothing in return could haunt the franchise for at least a decade. Had the Nats not turned things around so dramatically since May 24, Rendon almost certainly would have been changing uniforms on or before July 31.
Monty– The Nationals are not going to be sellers at the deadline, so you can rule out the previous possibility that Max Scherzer would be traded. I think you can rule out Anthony Rendon as well, despite the fact that his contract is expiring and the Lerners wanting to avoid a repeat of the Bryce Harper situation. Unless Rizzo somehow works a miracle that nets us an All-Star caliber player in return, the Nationals are not trading their best hitter in the midst of a playoff race. Assuming that Carter Kieboom is untouchable, I think our biggest trade chip will be a top prospect such as Luis Garcia, Wil Crowe, or Tim Cate.
Danny– If they were to make him available, it would have to be Carter Kieboom. I think Mike Rizzo and company have made the final decision to buy, so any talk of Anthony Rendon, Max Scherzer or Sean Doolittle changing uniforms is off the table, making Kieboom the most attractive trade chip. In fact, reports are that the Tigers have already asked for Kieboom in exchange for Shane Greene. It doesn’t hurt to ask, but a Kieboom for Greene trade just isn’t going to happen. If Kieboom is moved, it would have to be for somebody along the lines of Felipe Vazquez (boy wouldn’t that sting). Unless the Nationals get a young, controllable reliever in return, I can’t imagine Kieboom going anywhere.
Matt– I think Carter Kieboom is the clear biggest trade chip if for some reason Washington did decide to make him available. More realistically, I think Luis Garcia and Will Crowe are their two biggest chips who actually could be moved. Garcia is extremely talented, and him paired with a low-level prospect likely could net you someone like Will Smith or Shane Greene. The problem is with Anthony Rendon’s uncertain future in D.C. you really can not afford to give up Garcia.