MLB Trade Rumors 2019: Top 25 assets

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 20: San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) throws a pitch during a MLB game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 20, 2019 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

23 of 25

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 23: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals at bat against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Nationals Park on June 23, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

3. Anthony Rendon

Perhaps the most underrated player in the league, Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon will finally get a chance to test the waters of free agency after this season. The 29-year-old is having the best season of his career and will finally be rewarded with his first All-Star selection this July. If the Nationals continue to struggle, he may be wearing an entirely different jersey shortly after appearing in the Midsummer Classic.

Through his first seven years with the Nationals, Rendon has won a Silver Slugger and picked up two top-10 MVP finishes. He may be in line for a third this season. The third baseman shook off an April injury and is hitting .320/.422/.655 this year with 19 doubles, 14 home runs and 46 RBI through 53 games. Rendon has also drawn nearly as many walks as strikeouts.

The Nationals haven’t entirely given up on the idea of signing Rendon to a long-term deal, but their chances are dwindling, especially with how well he is hitting this year. There is no reason for the third baseman to pass up his chance at free agency this late in the game.

With a solid young core that includes Juan Soto, Victor Robles and Trea Turner, the Nationals should do the smart thing and bring back elite prospects for Rendon. He is worth at least two premium prospects who can help set the team up for another extended run of contention and free up money to finally build a competent bullpen.

Home/MLB