MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: 5 trades Blue Jays should make

1. Trade Jose Bautista to the Nationals

Jose Bautista is a fan favorite in Toronto, and for good reason.

Since the Blue Jays acquired him towards the end of the 2008 season, Bautista has hit .258/.379/.518 with 281 home runs and 744 RBI. Bautista evolved from a journeyman third baseman that had played for four other clubs in his first five major league seasons into Joey Bats: a six-time American League All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger and perennial AL MVP candidate.

Not only did Bautista’s production explode, he also helped the Blue Jays win the 2015 AL East title, and led the club to the ALCS in 2015 and 2016. Also, he provided some iconic moments along the way, including a legendary bat flip.

For all the good Bautista has done in Toronto, the 36-year-old slugger would be hesitant to leave, and the fans in the city would be sad to see him go. However, because he is essentially playing on a one-year contract (the three-year, $55 million contract he signed before the season calls for a mutual option for 2018 that either side can decline), it might make sense for Bautista (who holds trade veto rights) to accept a trade if the right fit came along.

In theory, if a trade is made, Bautista could return to the Jays in 2018 if either he or the new team doesn’t exercise his option.

Next: MLB Trade Deadline: 30 players likely to move

The Washington Nationals built a big lead in the NL East in April, and are cruising to a division title. After addressing their bullpen needs last week, the Nationals are in a position to contend with the Dodgers for the World Series.

However, injuries have rocked the outfield this season, and Adam Eaton, Michael Taylor and Jayson Werth are all currently on the DL. Taylor and Werth are expected to return in August, but Bautista could provide some insurance for either down the stretch, and the Nats would likely offer a mid level prospect in return.