Nationals Trade Hunter Harvey To Royals, Acquire Prospect And Draft Pick

Trade season has started early! The Nationals have taken off for an early start to what is sure to be an interesting MLB trade deadline, moving relief ace Hunter Harvey with two-plus weeks left in July. Here's the full details of the exchange from the Nationals.

This ends Harvey's successful Nationals tenure, after being acquired as a waiver claim from San Francisco and quickly asserting himself as a key setup man and closer for the Nationals. In three seasons, Harvey threw 145 innings in 138 outings with a 3.17 ERA, and notching 51 holds and 10 saves. Trade rumors began to surround Harvey during a dominant 2023 season, and now the Nationals have finally pulled the trigger, cashing in on the value of a relief stud with one additional year of arbitration.

In return for 1.5 years of Harvey, the Royals have sent their #2 prospect in Cayden Wallace to Washington. Wallace is a 22 year old third baseman who has been solid at AA this year, and he is expected to be ready for Major League action by next year. Wallace brings much-needed infield depth to the Nationals system, but what may be even more enticing is the competitive balance pick sent to Washington. The possibilities in tomorrow's MLB Draft have multiplied for the Nationals, who now hold three picks in the top 45. Where they decide to spend their money between those three picks is going to be worth monitoring; the team could reap huge value by drafting well and hitting big on the return for Harvey.

The future value given in return for Harvey can't be calculated yet, but this trade is definitely meaningful for the organization. This sends a message that the Nationals aren't ready just yet to go all-in on a competitive roster, and the final adjustments are going to be made to build around CJ Abrams, James Wood, and the rest of the young core. With Harvey gone, competitors will be bidding on the relief market and the Nationals have another notable asset with a final arbitration year remaining to throw into the pot.

Will Kyle Finnegan be traded too? What about Lane Thomas? The expiring deals of veterans Jesse Winker and Dylan Floro seem certain to be put on the market as well. With Harvey already gone, GM Mike Rizzo appears to be telling the league that the Nats are open for business. First, a critical draft with an unexpected bonus pick at the end of the first round. Then, a busy month for Rizzo and Co. as the Nationals could be the market's top seller at an uncertain deadline.

Despite a stunning comeback win in today's game in Milwaukee, this Nationals team is not postseason-ready yet. With an upstart pitching staff and several prospects on the way, the team is in a good spot for the years to come. If the Nationals can continue to capitalize on valuable assets like Harvey right now, they can set themselves up even better for opening a legitimate competitive window. It's an exciting time, but the bullpen is going to suffer in the short term without one of the top arms.