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Nationals: Fantasy Baseball Impact of Trading for Charlie Blackmon

By Bill Pivetz

Jun 21, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) rounds the bases on his solo home run to right during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) rounds the bases on his solo home run to right during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Nationals want to improve their outfield before the trade deadline, possibly trading for Colorado’s Charlie Blackmon.

The Washington Nationals have a firm lead on the National League East, 5.5 games ahead of the Miami Marlins. While the starting pitching is good, the offense could use a bit of a boost. Bryce Harper is king, but the other two outfielders are average at best. With the trade deadline just two weeks away, Washington management is eyeing Colorado’s Charlie Blackmon for the final two months of the season.

The other two outfielders currently atop the Nationals depth chart are Ben Revere in center field and Jayson Werth in left. Michael Taylor is also getting some starts in center, but isn’t doing much either.

Revere is hitting .222/.269/.298 with 10 steals in 14 attempts. Werth has 10 home runs and 40 RBI, but has a .244 average. Taylor is hitting .227 with seven homers. For comparison, Harper has 19 home runs, 52 RBI, .262 average and 14 steals.

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Blackmon may be having his best season in his career. While the steals are down, just 10 so far, his power numbers are trending in the right direction. He currently has 12 home runs, 43 RBI and a .305 average in 79 games. Having him in center field with a platoon of Werth and Revere in left field will support the rest of the Nationals offense.

This does put into question why prospect Trea Turner has spent time in Triple-A playing center field. If the Nationals were to trade for Blackmon, this will completely shut out any chance Turner has at a full-time role.

Back to the Rockies, trading Blackmon and even Carlos Gonzalez, as reported by Jon Heyman of todaysknuckleball.com, would open up two spots in their lineup. Ryan Raburn, Brandon Barnes and Daniel Descalso are the only other outfielders on the roster. Gerardo Parra is also there, but currently on the 15-day DL. They could either make another trade for a cheaper option or call someone up.

Next: What to do with Taijuan Walker?

The Nationals are doing everything they can to make sure they win the division and the World Series this season. Adding Blackmon to the roster will give them a much-needed shot in the arm. Harper can’t do it all himself.

If the trade does happen, Blackmon’s value will not take a negative turn. If anything, his value rises. With Harper hitting behind him, he’ll be protected and the pitching may be worse in the NL East. It’ll be an interesting next two weeks.

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