Josiah Gray:
The most obvious name at the top of any team’s wish list from the Nationals would have to be Josiah Gray. He leads the team in WAR, ERA+, and straight up ERA. To top it all off he is only 25, and isn’t arbitration eligible till 2025. A playoff team desperately needing a middle rotation guy may be willing to buy higher than expected for Gray. And plenty of those teams exist.
Coincidentally, all the reasons why teams would pursue Gray, are the same reasons why Washington should keep him. Gray has the potential to make this team better for a long time. He’s in the midst of a breakthrough season, on track for his lowest ERA since reaching the majors. At 25 it is conceivable to believe that Gray will be coming into his prime once the team becomes competitive again (assuming the rebuild works). As it stands, Gray is the brightest star in Washington’s lackluster rotation. This season has been an exciting marriage of potential and results for Gray. Hopefully he can continue improving, and cement himself as Washington’s ace.
Possible Destinations: Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees