MLB Trade Deadline: 5 best spots for Brett Gardner

ByParker Hurley|
Sep 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) hits his second 3 run home run of the game during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) hits his second 3 run home run of the game during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
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Jul 12, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; National League infielder Daniel Murphy (20) of the Washington Nationals hits a single in the 9th inning in the 2016 MLB All Star Game at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 12, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; National League infielder Daniel Murphy (20) of the Washington Nationals hits a single in the 9th inning in the 2016 MLB All Star Game at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

3. Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals have a strong lineup, but their biggest need is an outfielder who can lead off. Brett Gardner just so happens to be an outfielder who can lead off.

Currently they are getting time out of a platoon featuring Ben Revere and Michael Taylor. Revere and Taylor have posted a .269 and .277 on base percentage respectively and combined -0.2 WAR. This season Gardner has a .353 on base percentage and has a WAR of 1.6. To say that Gardner would be an improvement is an understatement. Prospect Trea Turner is in the mix to lead off after being called up recently, but are they going to ride a rookie into the playoffs as a leadoff?

If it comes to money, Revere is only under contract until 2017. They can keep him as depth this year, or move him this offseason and just chalk Gardner off as a two-year contract for a veteran lead off hitter. Gardner can even be considered a clubhouse leader to a player like Turner when it comes to leading off.

The Nationals have to know that the time for them is now. The Mets are banged up and the Marlins are coming, but are still a season away it appears. They have to ensure they can win something out of drafting Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg and signing Max Scherzer. Going for Gardner would show how committed they are.

Next: 2. Cleveland Indians