Two moves the Nationals can make to improve offense
By Ben Favela
Offense will be the biggest focus for the Nats leading up to the trade deadline, and Mike Rizzo should have plenty of options that shouldn’t hurt the farm system. With pitchers Cade Cavalli, Jackson Rutledge, and Cole Henry among those viewed as “untouchable,” it will take some creativity to work out a deal to really bolster the club. One potential target for this offense that the club should look into is D-Backs infielder Eduardo Escobar, who will be a free agent after the season. Escobar, can play both second and third base, and shouldn’t prevent the club from going after another infielder that I mention later. Escobar, only 32, is a veteran who hit 35 homers in 2019 and could theoretically platoon with Josh Harrison at second or start at third base. The acquisition of Escobar would allow the Nats to not have to rush prospect Luis Garcia for a playoff push while adding more pop to the lineup. Escobar is a switch hitter and is known to be a great clubhouse guy from his early days with the Twins and now with Arizona.
The price for Escobar won’t be astronomical, and two players in the proposed deal are relatively young and aren’t among the Nats top propsects. Two A-ball players in addition to a PTBNL are usually what the price is for a veteran hitter who is an impending free agent.