The Nationals are close to a key decision point in the 2026 season: whether they should be buyers or sellers at the trading deadline. In my opinion, they should be sellers. However, it is justifiable for the team to consider adding at the deadline. If the team chooses this course, they should prioritize these trade candidates:
Luis Arraez
The Nationals have a clear need for a second baseman. Nasim Nunez is a great defender and baserunner, but he has clear offensive shortcomings; his OPS plus this season is a dismal 73. Luis Arraez, the former three time batting champion, would add another element to the Nationals’ great offense.
This season, Arraez has a .330 batting average and a 135 OPS plus. The fourth place Giants will clearly be sellers at the deadline, and the Nationals can add Arraez as a short term rental. Arraez’s biggest weakness for most of his career has been his lackluster defense. This season, however, Arraez has made strides, meaning the team would not lose much in terms of run prevention by replacing the sure handed Nunez with Arraez.Â
Reid Detmers
The Nationals biggest need is starting pitching. Behind Foster Griffin and Cade Cavalli, their rotation is not formidable. Reid Detmers is a formidable arm for the team to add. In 18 games started, he has a respectable 4.13 ERA. Detmers will not be an ace and lead the Nationals rotation, but he will provide solid depth as a three or four starter for the team.
We all know the Nationals' rotation is young, and they will need a more experienced arm to help them make it through the slog of a 162 game season. Detmers also has three more years of control after this season. The Nationals should target players that will help beyond just this season, and Detmers is an example of that type of player.
Seth Lugo
The Royal are in last place in the AL Central and are unlikely to make the playoffs. Seth Lugo makes sense as a pitcher that they can deal away later this month. The right hander has a two year 46 million dollar contract that runs through the 2027 season. The Nationals will likely have to take on this contract, but it will be worth it to add Lugo to the team’s rotation.
Lugo has thrown at least 145 quality innings the past three seasons and was an All Star in 204. This year, he has a 4.20 ERA in 17 games started. He also still has a highly efficient curveball and an arsenal of eight different pitches. He is a veteran that will only add poise and consistency to the Nationals rotation.
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