Today is July 4th and this is an intriguing date on the baseball calendar, as general managers generally begin to take stock of their team and whether the team has a competitive chance at the playoffs. If so, the front office begins to make a wish list of possible deadline acquisitions, while the “pretenders” commence scouting various farm systems in preparation for future trade discussions.
The Nationals presently are fully healthy and as currently constructed seem to have a talented, well-constructed roster. Nevertheless, the Nationals have been active at the trade deadline in the past, and I expect general manager Mike Rizzo to attempt to improve the roster in an effort to overtake Atlanta and capture the National League East title. While I do not expect Washington to make a blockbuster trade for someone like David Price or Jeff Samardzija, these are a few pitchers that should appeal to Washington.
Joaquin Benoit RHP San Diego Padres
One of the true elite setup men in baseball, Benoit signed with the Padres last winter for 2-years $15.5 million with a 2016 $8 million team option with a $1.5 million buyout. With a new general manager soon to be hired in San Diego, the front office might look to clear $12+ million in future payroll and add a prospect or two by trading Benoit. Benoit would be a luxury for Washington, but his contract could make him a strong candidate to be dealt this month.
Chad Qualls RHP Houston Astros
Another quality right-handed reliever, Qualls has served as Houston’s closer for much of this season and has had terrific success, posting a 1.84 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 9 saves in 2014. Signed through next season for $3 million along with a 2016 club option for $3.5 with a $250k buyout, the 35-year-old Qualls is appealing to teams looking for more than a rental player in a deal. Expect Qualls to be traded sometime prior to the deadline.
Oliver Perez or Joe Thatcher LHPs Arizona Diamondbacks
If the Nationals are looking for a left-handed specialist to bolster their bullpen, the struggling Diamondbacks have two appealing lefties in Perez and Thatcher. Perez supposedly attracted attention this winter from the Nationals and Thatcher has held left-handed batters to a career .221/.280/.341 batting line with 156 strikeouts in 417 total at-bats. Both pitchers are free agents at the end of the season, so expect both to be in heavy demand ahead of July 31st.
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Conversely now that Bryce Harper has returned from injury, the Nationals offense looks rather well-positioned for the stretch run. That said the Nationals may still look to bolster their bench and acquire an upgrade to Kevin Frandsen. If they are so inclined, these are a few bats that could interest the Nationals ahead of the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.
Adam Dunn 1B/OF Chicago White Sox
A former National, Dunn has struggled through 4 uneven seasons with the White Sox since leaving Washington. Now in the final year of a 4-year $56 million contract, and Chicago languishing in the AL Central standings, the White Sox could look to part with Dunn to save some money and perhaps add a minor prospect. If Chicago would include significant financial considerations, Dunn could be a curious addition to the Nats’ bench as a slugging left-handed alternative to Nate McLouth.
Jonny Gomes OF Boston Red Sox
Another former member of the Nationals, Gomes is a right-handed slugger currently in the final year of a 2-year $10 million contract. Although it is difficult to see Boston selling after last season’s heroics, the team could look to clear at-bats for youngsters Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr., Brock Holt, and Will Middlebrooks down the stretch and could easily part with the 33-year-old veteran. A known positive clubhouse presence with the ability to hit home runs, Gomes will be in demand if Boston continues to struggle the next few weeks.
Daniel Murphy 2B/OF New York Mets
Although it is often difficult to make a trade within your division, Murphy would be an ideal addition to the Nationals bench for the stretch run this fall. A quality left-handed hitter capable of playing 1B, 2B, 3B, and LF, Murphy is in the midst of a career season and would attract numerous suitors if made available. Murphy is making $5.7 million this season and is arbitration-eligible in 2015 before becoming a free agent, so the Mets could look to capitalize on Murphy’s excellent season and trade him while his value is at its pinnacle.