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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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Jul 18, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) throws to first base to check on a runner against the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) throws to first base to check on a runner against the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Aroldis Chapman

Chapman’s name is the sexiest one on the trade deadline rumor mill, and he could potentially be the biggest pivot piece in the National League pennant chase if the Yankees do decide to deal their closer.

If Rizzo does pick up the phone to call on Chapman in the upcoming week, it would be a return to a previously failed endeavor during the previous offseason. The Nationals were in on Chapman after the deal between the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers for the flame-throwing lefty fell through. Ultimately, the Yankees were able to swoop in and land him, but he still remains a clear upgrade for the Nationals in regards to putting an impact option behind their already impressive starting pitching.

The Yankees have been reluctant to commit to becoming sellers, but Chapman does become a free agent at the end of the season and New York has multiple options under contract that would indicate that pulling a trade of him now would be more helpful than holding on and heading to the negotiation table later.

It all would have to come down to how high of a price the Nats are willing to pay for the 28-year-old, 4-time All-Star—as well as keep him away from other potential suitors such as the Chicago Cubs. While young talents of the caliber of Lucas Giolito, Trea Turner or Reynaldo Lopez are far too high of a price to pay, offering up a high ceiling, lower level minor leaguer such as Andrew Stevenson or Joan Baez could be enough to get the wheels moving.

Next: Andrew Miller

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