Nationals: Three Players Washington Should Trade For
By Max Rayman
Starling Marte
The Miami Marlins traded for Marte at the trade deadline and recently picked up his $12.5 million option for 2021. Despite this, the Marlins could still flip the 32-year-old. After making the playoffs for the first time since 2003 on the back of a promising starting rotation, the Marlins could view that they are not ready to contend. If that is the case, trading Marte could help cut payroll while also bringing back some value. This is where the Nationals come in.
After declining the option on Adam Eaton, Washington is searching for a new starting outfielder. After shifting Juan Soto to right at the end of the 2020 season, it seems the plan is for Soto to stick in right for the foreseeable future. Marte who mainly plays left but could also take over in center would immediately be a huge boost defensively. Over his nine-year career, the two-time Gold Glover has 76 outfield assists and 59 DRS. Marte’s best defensive numbers have come from left.
Offensively, Marte is a table-setter, seen by his career batting average and wRC+ of .287 and 116 respectively. In Washington, Victor Robles should lead off, while Marte, Soto, and Trea Turner follow him respectively. This would add another consistent bat while fixing the top of the lineup.
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Dangling one of the team’s pitching prospects such as Seth Romero or Wil Crowe as conversation starters could interest the Marlins, who will be looking for MLB-ready talent.