Nationals: Three Moves To Make After Trading For Josh Bell

Trade For Wilson Contreras

Last week it was reported that the Chicago Cubs are interested in shopping Wilson Contreras who has two years left of arbitration and will only be 29 when the 2021 season starts. A few days ago,  we discussed trading for him and this is a move that Mike Rizzo needs to pull the trigger on. A career .265 hitter, Contreras would add another consistent bat to the middle of the lineup.

Here is what we previously said about Contreras,

"Yan Gomes is Washington’s projected opening day starting catcher, with last year’s starter Kurt Suzuki a free agent. Never known for his bat, Contreras would be an instant upgrade over Gomes at the plate. After trading for Josh Bell, Washington still needs another bat or two to seriously contend and Contreras fits the bill. He is only 28 (will be 29 in 2021) and would provide much-needed production from the middle of the lineup, seen by his career wRC+ of 116. Defensively, Contreras has struggled with pitch framing, posting a -31.9 frame rate (FRM), however, he posted a 1.7 FRM in 2020. Despite his framing, Contreras is solid behind the plate, posting four career DRS and throwing out 31.5% of base runners. Platooning him with Gomes allows for Washington to improve their lineup while keeping both of their catchers fresh, similar to their 2019 situation."

Contreras would be the last complimentary piece the offense needs. With two years left on his contract at a projected team-friendly price, Washington might not have the capital to pull off the trade. Especially with Luis Garcia, Jackson Rutledge, and Cade Cavalli all off-limits. However, Rizzo has proven time and time again that he can make miracles happen. In Mike Rizzo we trust.

Adding Josh Bell, Contreras, and either Marcell Ozuna or Michael Brantley to help out Trea Turner and Juan Soto would completely revamp this lineup. Odorizzi is an excellent bounce-back candidate, adding much-needed rotation depth behind the big three. This trio of moves would put Washington once again atop the NL East.