3 Nationals players who are tanking their trade value

We're in the middle of another season in which it looks like the Nationals will be sellers at the Trade Deadline. There's just one problem: they don't have players who are building up trade value.

In particular, there were three players who were signed or traded for in the offseason with the potential to be flipped during the summer, all of whom are underachieving.

Nathaniel Lowe

Lowe was actually traded for with two years remaining prior to hitting free agency. Therefore, trading him down the road wasn't necessarily at the forefront of conversation. But still, he was acquired with the assumption that he would be productive, without the intent for him to become a true franchise fixture for years to come.

Early in his debut season with Washington, it looked like Lowe might be just what the doctor ordered.
On a team that has lacked power in recent history, Lowe was providing as much of it as anyone in the starting nine. By April 4, his OPS stood north of 1.100, including four home runs, and a formidable trio appeared to be forming atop the Washington lineup.

Unfortunately, he's hit only four home runs in his 48 games since April 4, and his entire hitting profile has plummeted. His batting average has fallen to .220, and his on-base percentage (something he is typically known for excelling at) is at .290 - more than 60 points below his career average. Even his defense has fallen short of his usual standard.

Even so, there has been some recent trade buzz surrounding Lowe. Although he's not making a ton of money, he could be in line to make $11-12 million next season. Unless he returns to his prior form, that may not be an amount another team like the Red Sox would be willing to take on. In fact, the Nationals themselves may not be willing to pay him that much, either. For someone who was assumed to be a safe bet to be a productive player, this situation has gotten pretty messy.

Josh Bell

This wasn't the prettiest signing in the world, but like Lowe, it seemed safe to assume that Bell would at least be a relatively productive hitter who could also provide some thump in the slugging department. Thus far, that simply has not come close to materializing.

Bell was an awesome National in 2021-22, but he's seemingly nowhere near the same player anymore. He is known to often start seasons slow, but this has been a rather extended slump. As a hitter who now essentially can no longer play first base, it would take a minor miracle to get his batting average above the Mendoza line.

Granted, he had a three-hit game on Wednesday that included his seventh home run of the season and a flyout to the warning track. But even so, unless this was the breakout game, Bell's time is likely nearing its end - and not because he's getting traded, like Washington presumably had intended. With his potential replacement possibly nearing a return to the big league club soon, it will be interesting to see if Mike Rizzo decides to pull the plug.

Jorge Lopez

Aside from Kyle Finnegan, Lopez was the one real bullpen signing this offseason who seemed to have the potential to return some value. Despite his 6-0 win/loss record - which goes to show how useless that statistic is, especially for relievers - his ERA sits at 6.00, far short of what was expected from him.

It's far too soon to slam the gavel on the veteran bullpen arm, especially on a team that lacks depth in this unit. Nonetheless, he's pitching more like he did in 2023 than his resurgent 2024 season - the latter of which was what the Nationals were banking on.

Lopez will continue to get opportunities. This situation doesn't seem the same as Colin Poche and Lucas Sims, who were both designated for assignment early this month. He'll need a substantial turnaround if he wants to find himself on a playoff contender late in the season, though.

What are your thoughts? have I overreacted on any players? Did I miss anyone? Let me know your thoughts @stephen_newman1 on X.

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