Expect the Yankees to have these trade targets on their radar this winter

3. Anthony Rendon

The Nationals are heading into one of the most tumultuous offseasons they can imagine. Bryce Harper will almost certainly leave the team via free agency. That could easily lead the Washington front office to initiate a true rebuild in the nation’s capital.

Obviously, the Yankees have a very talented young third baseman in the form of Miguel Andujar. The rookie does have serious defensive flaws in his game. There’s serious concern inside the organization over whether or not Andujar can ever grow into anything approaching an adequate defensive player. That could easily lead to Cashman investigating other options at the hot corner this offseason.

Rendon, in sharp contrast to Andujar, is an excellent defensive player. That’s not to say he isn’t a great hitter as well. He hit .308 with 24 home runs last season for the Nationals last year. There’s a legitimate argument to be made that he’s a better hitter and fielder than Andujar at this point in their respective careers.

Even if the Yankees don’t want to give up on Andujar, Rendon can also provide value to the team at first base. He’s just the sort of versatile piece that could help Boone in multiple spots.

The Nationals aren’t going to give a good player like Rendon away, but if they decide to rebuild the Yankees have the prospects to make it worth their while. This is a move that could really gain legs as the hot stove begins to cook.