The Washington Nationals enter this offseason riding high after a 95 win season and their 3^rd division championship in 5 years.  Unfortunately the team’s loss in the NLCS exposed their need for additional depth both offensively and in the bullpen.  Furthermore, with Wilson Ramos and Mark Melancon as key free agents, Washington has obvious needs at catcher and the closer position.

Considering the free agent market is softer this winter than in previous years, one might anticipate a busy winter with trade activity as teams attempt to fill the voids on their roster.  As the front office begins finalizing their offseason plans, these are five players I expect (and encourage) Washington to target in forthcoming trade discussions.

Brian McCann   Catcher                                New York Yankees

As mentioned above, Wilson Ramos is a free agent and reported to be seeking a multiyear contract, making it possible Washington will need to move on from the Buffalo behind the dish. New York is reportedly shopping McCann this winter, after the emergence of young backstop Gary Sanchez this year and the presence of backup Austin Romine.  McCann has 2 more years on his contract, with a team option for 2019, and while he is still quite productive, the Yankees may seek to re-allocate the remaining $34 million toward other roster weaknesses.

Could Gio Gonzalez for Brian McCann be the framework for a beneficial trade for both teams?

John Jaso            1B/OF                   Pittsburgh Pirates

Ryan Zimmerman is Washington’s starting first baseman, but he has struggled the past several seasons with injuries and mediocre offensive numbers.  Also, backup first baseman Clint Robinson scuffled in his sophomore campaign with a woeful .637 OPS, leading many to believe an upgrade this winter is necessary.  Jaso was productive for Pittsburgh last season in the first year of a 2-year $8 million contract, hitting .268/.353/.413 with 8 home runs in 132 games played.

Considering the presence of veterans David Freese and Jung Ho Kang plus the emergence of prospect Josh Bell, Jaso is projected as a bench player for Pittsburgh next year.  The small market Pirates could seek to deal Jaso this winter to save some money or fill another roster spot.  Jaso would provide a nice backup for Zimmerman and a quality left-handed bat for Washington’s bench at an affordable price.

Wade Davis       RHP                        Kansas City Royals
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While rumors will link Washington with top free agent closers Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon, do not be surprised if the Nationals tap into the trade market to fill the closer role.  Options such as Oakland’s Sean Doolittle, St. Louis’s Trevor Rosenthal and Chicago’s David Robertson might be available, but if Kansas City is willing to trade Wade Davis, expect Mike Rizzo to make a strong offer.

Kansas City is likely reluctant to part with such a top relief arm, especially in this environment, but as a small market club, the Royals may decide to trade the final year on his contract for future help.  Not to mention, the Royals still have the presence of Kelvin Herrara to act as closer and several arms to concoct a still impressive bullpen.  I fully expect Kansas City to capitalize on the demand for top relief arms and trade Davis this winter.

Charlie Blackmon            OF          Colorado Rockies

The Nationals face one major decision offensively this winter – where do they play Trea Turner defensively next season and long-term, shortstop or center field?  The answer to this question will reflect how the front office feels about Danny Espinosa and how easily they can find a center fielder.

Colorado might decide to trade the 30-year-old Blackmon this winter as he is only under contract for 2 more seasons, will see his salary jump from $3.5 million to close to $9 million, and they have several talented young outfielders.  If Colorado is willing to trade this talented, left-handed hitting outfielder, Washington might have the young pitchers to entice the Rockies to part with Blackmon.

Jonathan Villar                  SS           Milwaukee Brewers

Understandably it feels unlikely that the rebuilding Brewers would trade a 25-year-old shortstop coming off a season with an .826 OPS and 62 stolen bases.  In addition Villar is expected to make near league minimum as he is under contract for four more seasons.  But Milwaukee appears to want Orlando Arcia as their future shortstop and Villar struggled defensively last season when he shifted to the hot corner, meaning the Brewers must decide whether to move him to second base or trade him.

Obviously many teams would be interested if Villar was made available this winter, but the combination of young pitching prospects and perhaps a young infielder like Wilmer Difo could make Washington competitive in trade discussions.  While a long-shot, do not be surprised if Villar is dealt this offseason.