Four Nationals Who Could Be Traded By The Deadline
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
Lane Thomas:
Arguably the best hitter in Washington’s lineup, Thomas’ trade value may be higher than expected. His hitting numbers are solid, .822 OPS and 35 RBIs (both team leading), but even his defense alone could draw attention. Thomas is second in the National League in outfield assists with six. He’s tied with the likes of Ronald Acuna, and Nick Castellanos (behind only Fernando Tatis Jr.).
Thomas has been valuable for Nationals, but his days in Washington seem numbered. The top three prospects in Washington’s system are all outfielders. James Wood and Robert Hassel III are both expected to arrive next year. There is a case to keep Thomas and pair him with the two young guns, but this is the highest his trade value may ever be. Not to mention Elijah Green could be up sooner than expected. As it stands, Thomas could be Washington’s lone all-star and still moved by the deadline.
Possible Destinations: Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Guardians, Chicago White Sox
Hunter Harvey:
Call me crazy, but Harvey is the most obvious name to move before the deadline. As far as Nationals’ relievers go, Harvey has produced some of the only watchable innings all season (besides Carl Edwards Jr.; more on him to come). Trading Harvey may anger fans, causing them to suffer through more disastrous relief appearances from borderline major leaguers, but he has more to offer as a trade piece than as a possible franchise cornerstone.
Harvey bounced between the majors and minors since first appearing for the Orioles in 2019. He struggled to stay healthy during his tenure in Baltimore, which led the team to DFA him. In 2023, Harvey has shined, but his track record is sketchy at best. His team-leading WHIP of 1.079 is eye-catching among available relievers. Right now, relievers are at a premium. Some of the best teams in the MLB need bullpen support; Texas and Tampa to name two of the most notable. When it comes to Harvey, sell high, because who knows how long he’ll keep it up?
Possible Destinations: Texas Rangers, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers
Carl Edwrads Jr.
Much like Harvey, Edwards Jr. sits atop the Nationals’ bullpen as one of the only serviceable relievers this season. Edwards Jr. is 31 years of age, and will be a free agent in 2024. His stats have been solid, he’s tied with Josiah Gray for the best ERA+ on the team.
Edwards, again much like Harvey, is an obvious choice to be dealt by the deadline. At 31, he will likely be too old to stick around once Washington is back in the mix. Even if he is kept around, he’ll more than likely jump ship once he hits free agency. It would be nice to keep Harvey and Edwards, considering they carry Washington’s bullpen on their backs, but one of them should be gone come August.
Possible Destinations: Same as Harvey, plus many more