Mar 11, 2024; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Washington Nationals outfielder Jesse Winker (6) watches from first base after hitting a single against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is expected to sell some players at the MLB trade deadline on July 30. The team is currently seven games below .500 and five-and-a-half games out of the National League wild card.
Here are the players Washington will need to decide whether to sell or hold:
Sell – Jesse Winker, OF
The 30-year-old left fielder is having his best season since his final year in Cincinnati, currently batting .268 with 10 home runs in 88 games. Several teams will likely be interested in his services as the postseason approaches.
Hold – Lane Thomas, OF
Thomas, posting a .245/.304/.406 line in 62 games, might seem like a must-sell commodity. According to WJFK’s Grant Paulsen, his splits against left-handed pitchers versus right-handers are noteworthy, which could attract or deter potential buyers. Despite his trade value, moving both Thomas and Winker would deplete the outfield, potentially forcing premature reliance on prospects. Thus, Thomas might be more valuable if he stays for another season.
Sell – Trevor Williams, SP
Williams, despite being injured since early June, has a solid 5-0 record and 2.22 ERA in 11 starts. This could be enough to entice teams to invest once he’s healthy.
Hold – Kyle Finnegan, RP
Finnegan, with a 2.17 ERA and 23 saves this season, might be Washington’s most valuable asset. Rizzo should only consider trading him if the offer is exceptional. Losing Finnegan would leave the team too vulnerable on the mound late in games, hindering progress next season.
Sell – Dylan Floro & Hunter Harvey, RPs
Floro, with a 2.06 ERA in 43.2 innings, and Harvey, despite a 4.40 ERA this season, are the only bullpen pitchers Washington can afford to lose. Both have had recent struggles but are capable of returning to form with a contender.
Unsellable – Patrick Corbin, SP & Joey Gallo, OF
Corbin’s contract is too expensive, especially given his poor performance. Gallo has struggled with injuries (just 46 games played) and has not produced when healthy (.164 batting average). Washington would be fortunate to get anything of value in return for them.
Rizzo has many decisions to make, but Washington is in a good position to secure another decent haul at the deadline as they continue their rebuild.
