The 2013 Nationals season must be viewed as a disappointment, as they were unable to return to the playoffs after a breakout year in 2012.  One of the largest individual disappointments for the Nationals was 26-year-old infielder Danny Espinosa, who many, myself included, predicted a monster year in his third major league season. 

Espinosa was unable to build upon on his impressive first two seasons in Washington, in which he hit .236/.323/.414 in 2011 and .247/.315/.402 in 2012 while playing outstanding defense at second base.  In short, Espinosa had positioned himself as one of the best young second baseman in baseball.

Unfortunately everything went wrong for Espinosa in 2013, as he injured his right wrist early in the year and never recovered, hitting .158/.193/.272 over 44 games before the Nationals mercifully sent him to Triple-A.  After the demotion, Espinosa continued to flounder, hitting only .216/.280/.286 the rest of the year.  His season was such a catastrophe Espinosa did not even return to Washington when the major league rosters expanded in September. 

Presently Espinosa finds himself at a crossroads in his career, as his lingering injury allowed National’s top prospect Anthony Rendon to surpass him on the second base depth chart.  In addition, rumors have mentioned that the organization is disappointed with Espinosa, with the outcome an inevitable divorce this winter. 

If it were my decision, I would heavily insist Espinosa to undergo surgery this winter, and allow him to rebuild his depressed value next spring as I am loath to sell-low in this situation.  That said if the Nationals sever the relationship with Espinosa, he could have a surprising number of suitors. 

This free agent market for available shortstops feels thin with Stephen Drew, Rafael Furcal, and Johnny Peralta highlighting an otherwise mediocre crop.  Aside from superstar Robinson Cano, the second base market is represented by Omar Infante then also drops off quickly.  Considering the shallow markets at both positions and that he is under contract for four more seasons, Espinosa could represent an interesting low risk-high reward opportunity to a opposing general manager.   

Assuming he is shopped this offseason, I have projected the teams that should have interest and wildly speculated at possible returns for Espinosa’s services. 

Hypothetical Trade A     ->            Washington sends Danny Espinosa to Pittsburgh for LHP Justin Wilson and a prospect

The Pirates have shown a tendency in recent seasons to take chances on players following subpar seasons, specifically A.J. Burnett, Francisco Liriano, and Mark Melancon. In addition Pittsburgh could have a potential need at shortstop if they part with free agent Clint Barmes and do not feel comfortable with Jordy Mercer.  As a small market team with a deep farm system, the Pirates could take the chance on Espinosa bouncing back with a change of scenery.

Wilson had an outstanding rookie season in 2013, posting a 2.08 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 73.2 innings pitched for Pittsburgh.  A 26-year-old lefty who can face both lefties and righties are valuable, but the Pirates might relish selling-high on Wilson’s breakout season.

Hypothetical Trade B     ->            Washington sends Danny Espinosa to Houston for LHP prospect Josh Hader

With only Jonathan Villar and Marwin Gonzalez on the shortstop depth chart and mega-prospect Carlos Correa still a few seasons away, Houston could be in the position to shrewdly buy-low on Espinosa, while biding time until their farm system fully matures. 

Hader, a local product from Millersville, MD, was acquired from Baltimore as part of the Bud Norris trade last summer.  A lanky, 19-year-old left-handed pitching prospect, Hader posted a 2.77 ERA in 107.1 innings in Low-A in 2013, and would be an excellent arm to add to any farm system.

Hypothetical Trade C     ->            Washington sends Danny Espinosa to Toronto for LHP Brett Cecil

According to reports Toronto has a desire to improve at second base this offseason, as they were disappointed by Maicer Izturis and light-hitting Ryan Goins.  With a bloated payroll due to their trade with the Marlins last November, Espinosa’s friendly contract could particularly appeal to the Blue Jays. 

Cecil, a local product from the University of Maryland, is unlikely to be available for only Espinosa, but would significantly upgrade the left side of the Nationals’ bullpen.

Hypothetical Trade D     ->            Washington sends Danny Espinosa to Kansas City for RHP Aaron Crow and a Prospect

Emilio Bonifacio made a nice impression after an August trade and Johnny Giavotella is still in Kansas City, but after making a statement with 86 wins in 2013, the Royals could look to bolster their weakest offensive position, second base, this winter.  Possessing bullpen depth and a quality farm system, the Royals should factor in all trade discussions for second baseman this offseason.

Crow, drafted by the Nationals in 2008 but did not agree to terms, had a 3.38 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 48 innings this past season, but is due a raise in his first year of arbitration.  Considering the Royals bullpen depth, they might be tempted to part with Crow and a prospect to acquire Espinosa.