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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 moves Washington Nationals should make

By Matt Whitener

Jun 12, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) in the dugout during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) in the dugout during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 26, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) dives back to first base in the eighth inning of the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. The Rockies won 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) dives back to first base in the eighth inning of the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. The Rockies won 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Charlie Blackmon

While Rizzo has disputed that he has any interest in Blackmon, he would be smart to reconsider that path. The multi-talented Rockie fits two very specific needs for the Nationals: an everyday centerfielder and a regular leadoff man. And this fact has not been lost on the Nats, as they have reportedly expressed interest in the Colorado Rockies’ man in the middle, and for good reason.

Since becoming an everyday player full-time in 2014, Blackmon has carried a .291 average, in addition to a .799 OPS and averaging 27 stolen bases per year. He finished third in the NL is stolen bases a year ago with 43. He would also provide another left-handed bat to provide balance throughout a strongly right-handed Nats lineup, and he has hit righties to the tune of a .319 mark this year.

There is the obvious concern that comes with taking a player that has had such extreme home/away splits in his career. Lifetime, Blackmon is hitting .249 on the road, as opposed to the robust .333 average he carries at Coors Field. However, even his lowered output is better than the abysmal play that Michael Taylor and Ben Revere have provided up the middle, both combining to hit .225 on the year as center fielders.

Blackmon is a perfect fit and one that could likely be had without having to allow any of the team’s top prospects into the picture either.

Next: Peter Bourjos

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