MLB Trade Deadline: 5 best spots for Joey Votto

5. Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals are very close to being a World Series contender. Their biggest weakness is at first base. Ryan Zimmerman has not been productive at all there. With no top-tier corner infield prospects in the minors, the Nationals could solve their first base issue long-term by trading for Joey Votto.

Zimmerman might need to be involved in the trade to make the money work, but the Reds would be happy to oblige as long as they get some prospects. If the Nationals want Votto, they will likely have to give up Joe Ross and their second best prospect Trea Turner. Turner would give the Reds a long-term replacement for second baseman Brandon Phillips or shortstop Zack Cozart.

Votto would give the Nationals a much better lineup, one that would allow them to potentially challenge the Chicago Cubs in the playoffs. Votto gets on base at an extremely impressive rate and his OPS+ suggests that he is far more productive than the average player. It would be an extremely bold trade for the Nationals since they would be committing a ton of money to Votto. However, thanks to the deferred money Max Scherzer took in the deal he signed during the 2014 offseason, the Nationals just might be able to afford it.

Next: 4. Texas Rangers