MLB Trade Deadline: 5 Best spots for Carlos Gonzalez

MLB Trade Deadline: 5 best spots for Carlos Gonzalez

Jun 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) tosses his batting helmet after striking out in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jul 4, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) looks on during the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Washington Nationals

While quite a few teams could benefit from adding Gonzalez, the Nationals stand out as the best fit and should do whatever they can to acquire him.

The Nationals have the upper hand on the New York Mets and Miami Marlins in the competitive NL East race with a mark of 54-36. One splash move to improve the lineup could make the difference in the postseason for Washington when it takes on elite teams like the Giants or Chicago Cubs.

Outfield stands out as the most obvious spot on the roster for the Nationals to improve. Michael Taylor hasn’t hit at all and Ben Revere has been worth a miserable -0.5 WAR according to FanGraphs, so getting Gonzalez to take some of their at-bats would be a huge boost.

Of course, both of those players are primary center fielders, so the Nationals would have to do shifting to fit Gonzalez in. Moving Bryce Harper to center may hurt the team defense a little bit, but the offensive upgrade would be well worth it for both 2016 and 2017.

The Nationals have a top-heavy farm system and could offer an impact prospect in return for Gonzalez. Reynaldo Lopez or A.J. Cole could be part of a package, as the Nationals are going to be hesitant to trade Lucas Giolito or Trea Turner.

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