10 trades contenders should make prior to MLB Trade Deadline

8. Washington Nationals Trade for Colorado Rockies Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez

Bryce Harper is arguably the best player in baseball, but the Washington Nationals have struggled to protect him in their line-up. Daniel Murphy has offered some protection to Harper, but the struggled of first baseman Ryan Zimmerman have been significant in the Nationals’ line-up. With teams open to pitching around Harper, the Nationals’ offense can struggle to produce runs.

With that in mind, they need to look to add another significant bat to the mix in Washington before the trade deadline. The Nationals are going to be legitimate NL East contenders either way, but if they want to be serious World Series contenders, they need to find some protection for Harper.

Carlos Gonzalez is a guy who always comes up in trade rumors, but with only two years remaining on his contract, this could be the time for the Colorado Rockies to seriously shop him. Gonzalez comes with a hefty price tag and the Rockies will command a strong return, but when he is going, Gonzalez is as good as it gets as a middle-of-the-order thumper.

Gonzalez has struggled to get going a bit this season, but it will not take him long to get back on track. Fresh off of a 40 home run season, Gonzalez is one of the best power hitters in baseball, and also plays elite-level defense in left field, with the ability to play center.

It would cost them, but adding Gonzalez to the mix would take the Nationals’ offense to the next level.

Next: 7. Edwin Encarnacion