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Washington Nationals: Five Bold Off-season moves to win the 2022 World Series

By Joseph Edelen

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 30: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals celebrates in the locker room after defeating the Houston Astros in Game Seven to win the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Washington Nationals defeated the Houston Astros with a score of 6 to 2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 30: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals celebrates in the locker room after defeating the Houston Astros in Game Seven to win the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Washington Nationals defeated the Houston Astros with a score of 6 to 2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 20: Whit Merrifield #15 of the Kansas City Royals waits to bat against the Cleveland Indians in the first inning during game one of a doubleheader at Progressive Field on September 20, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /

Trade 2B/SS Luis Garcia and Prospects for Kansas City Royals 2B/OF Whit Merrifield

Luis Garcia has shown flashes of his potential during his big league stint with the Nationals, but he isn’t ready to be a reliable starter on a championship-caliber team. The same can be said for Carter Kieboom, though his tenure in the majors has gone far worse than Garcia’s. Either of these two could be used as trade chips should the Nats decide to go all-in on 2022.

It’s unclear what type of package it would take to acquire Merrifield, but the Nationals have the pieces to get a deal done. For a rebuilding team like the Royals, Garcia could be an enticing piece as he has the potential to be their second baseman of the future.

Merrifield would be a great leadoff hitter in this Nationals lineup given the acquisitions the team has already made. A middle infield tandem of Correa and Merrifield would immediately be one of the league’s best both offensively and defensively. Not only is Merrifield one of the league’s best second basemen, but he is extremely versatile and can play virtually anywhere.

Last season, Merrifield was second in the majors with 40 stolen bases, so he would add some much-needed speed to the Nationals lineup. Should the Nationals package Garcia with some other talented prospects, Merrifield would be the best-case scenario at second base.

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