Washington Nationals: Top 3 Players Traded For In November, Ranked
By Max Rayman
3) Josh Willingham
Traded to Washington: November 11, 2008
From 2006-2008, the Nationals lost 91, 89, and 102 games respectively. They were a constant bottom feeder, never finishing higher than fourth in the division during that span. In an attempt to add another bat to the lineup, GM at the time Jim Bowden spun a trade for the Miami Marlins outfielder Josh Willingham.
Willingham only spent two years with the Nationals, but it was a memorable time. Over his two years with the team, he hit .263, with 40 homers, 117 RBIs, an OPS of .856, and a, 130 wRC+. Willingham teamed up with Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn in the middle of the order, to put on a nightly fireworks display.
Most famously, Willingham is the only player in franchise history and the 13th player in MLB history to hit two grand slams in one game. He accomplished this special feat on July 27, 2009, against the Milwaukee Brewers. He also became just the seventh player to hit a grand slam in consecutive innings. He finished the game 3-5, with eight RBIs, while the Nationals went on to win 14-6.
Despite only being with the Nationals for two years, Willingham was an exciting player for Nationals fans to watch during a very dark era. His numbers weren’t otherworldly, but his pop sure was entertaining.