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5 trades Washington Nationals must make to get past Chicago Cubs

By Dan Schmelzer

Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez against the Arizona Diamondbacks during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez against the Arizona Diamondbacks during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Erick Aybar
Apr 10, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Erick Aybar (1) chases after a deflected ground ball against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Erick Aybar, INF, Atlanta Braves

Danny Espinoza is a decent starting shortstop for the Washington Nationals. He is an above average fielder at the position who has a bit of pop in his bat. He is not a strong offensive performer, but his defense makes him a solid option. That being said, there is certainly room for improvement.

Being such a premium position, shortstops are rarely available via trade. This far ahead, it is difficult to predict any star shortstops to be traded, but Erick Aybar of the 7-23 Atlanta Braves is a fair bet to be moved.

Aybar is a slick-fielding shortstop who would be an immediate upgrade for the Nationals defensively at the position. He does not offer much power, but he is a better contact hitter than Espinoza who can also work the count well.

Aybar is not a superstar replacement who immediately makes the Nationals a better team than the Cubs, but he does make the Nationals better. Penciling him in as the starting shortstop with Espinoza being the backup infielder immediately makes the Nationals a better team. Aybar should be an easily obtainable player from the clearly rebuilding Braves.

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