Four Nationals Who Could Be Traded By The Deadline

It has been a predictably challenging year for Washington fans. As it stands, the team is not capable of competing in the National League East, let alone against the other teams vying for the playoffs. For the foreseeable future, the Nationals remain a rebuilding franchise.

An integral part of any rebuild requires teams to flip contributing veterans, for prospects with higher upside. The Nationals don’t boast the most impressive roster in baseball, but there are a few players drawing interest in the trade market. Here are four players Washington may possibly move before the August 1st 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