3 Nationals Most Likely to Be Dealt at the Trade Deadline

The Washington Nationals made their intentions clear when they traded away franchise stars Max Scherzer and Trea Turner at the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline. Fast forward one year and the team lines up to be sellers once again considering they sit at the bottom of the NL East with a 23-41 record.

One major problem for the Nationals is that they only have two prospects currently ranked within the MLB's top 100. That is not going to help quicken a rebuild. Using the MLB trade deadline to change that fact would be smart, so here's a look at the three most likely Washington players to be dealt.

Washington Nationals Trade Rumors

1. Nelson Cruz, DH

Nelson Cruz is the perfect target for contending teams looking to add power to the lineup. He is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and obviously doesn't fit into Washington's future plans at 42 years of age. The ageless wonder is still producing at a high rate, too. Cruz is slashing .265/.343/.405 to go along with 29 runs scored, 9 doubles, 7 home runs, 36 RBI and 2 stolen bases. He made the All-Star game in 2021 and is capable of hitting the ball out of the ballpark on any given pitch. Seeing Cruz on the Nationals in August would be a surprise at this point.

2. Carl Edwards Jr., RP

Struggling teams dealing away standout relievers has become a yearly tradition at the trade deadline. This year will surely be no different. Carl Edwards Jr. has become a go-to guy out of the bullpen for manager Dave Martinez, posting an impressive 2.08 ERA and 0.808 WHIP across 15 appearances (17.1 innings). Opposing batters are hitting just .111 against Edwards in 2022. The 30-year-old has one year left of club control on his contract and could be a great late-inning option for any contending team. Squads that stick out in that scenario include the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox.

3. Josh Bell, 1B

Another slugger likely to be shopped throughout the summer is first baseman Josh Bell. Bell enters free agency during the next offseason and there's no guarantee that he will re-sign with Washington. Acquiring a prospect or two in return for the 29-year-old would aide in the Nationals rebuild. It would give a contending team a solid bench bat in the process as well. Bell has appeared in a league-high 63 games and has posted a career-best .293 batting average so far. He has also logged 32 runs scored, smacked 7 home runs and racked up 38 RBI.

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