The Washington Nationals won the 2019 World Series. They were competitive just a few years ago. But it is safe to say that isn't the case in 2022. The Nationals own one of MLB's worst records and are preparing to sell at the 2022 MLB trade deadline. And Washington will be one of the more interesting teams to keep an eye on this July. There are a number of players who will likely be traded… but what about Juan Soto?
Let's take a look at 3 players the Nationals must move ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline.
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3 players Nationals must move ahead of 2022 MLB trade deadline
Nelson Cruz
Nelson Cruz is finally having a down season. The 42-year old had seemingly defeated the aging process after clubbing at least 30 home runs in each of the past 7 full 162 game seasons. And he isn't suffering a terrible 2022 campaign by any means. The veteran slugger is hitting over .240 with 8 bombs through 76 games.
And with the implementation of the universal DH, there should be no shortage of interest for a right-handed power bat such as Nelson Cruz this offseason. The Nationals don't have any need to keep a 42-year old on the roster given their rebuilding state, so they need to deal Cruz this month.
Tanner Rainey
Tanner Rainey is a 29-year old right-handed reliever who has emerged as a steady bullpen option. He owns an ERA in the mid-3's and has accrued 11 saves this year.
After showing potential in 2020, Rainey struggled mightily in 2021. But his 2022 resurgence should catch teams' attention. And the Nats would be smart to deal him ahead of the deadline and capitalize on his value. There is always a market for relievers.
Josh Bell
Josh Bell has been the Nationals best hitter this season. Yes, that includes Juan Soto (who we will talk more about in a second.)
Bell is slashing .315/.398/.508 with an OPS over .900. He should be an All-Star in 2022. And yet, his impressive season is flying under-the-radar. Most people don't realize how well the first baseman is playing.
But he will receive plenty of attention this month from potential suitors. Bell can either slot in at DH or 1B. Additionally, every team could use a power hitting switch-hitter.
Josh Bell needs to be one of the most talked about players ahead of the trade deadline. At just 29-years old, he has the potential to bring an entirely new dynamic to any lineup in baseball.
Let's talk about Juan Soto
No, Juan Soto wasn't included in the 3 players the Nationals must trade ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline. Washington has two years of team control and dealing him away isn't mandatory this year. But Soto's resilience to sign a long-term deal with the team is concerning.
Some may argue that the Nats shouldn't trade him away in 2022 because he is having a down season. After all, he is hitting just .226. But that has nothing to do with it. Everyone in MLB understands how talented the young outfielder is. And his 2022 campaign isn't all bad, as he still owns an OBP north of .380 and has smashed 15 home runs.
But the Nationals could trade him in the near future if they can't get an extension done. That could mean during the offseason, or even ahead of the 2023 trade deadline.
Although they could deal him this season, I wouldn't count on it.
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