The MLB trade deadline is right around the corner and now teams are trying to decide whether to buy, sell, or standpat. One team on everybody's mind is the Washington Nationals. The Nationals have underwhelmed– and that is probably an understatement. They are flirting with the .500 mark and have been lauded by many as one team to be extremely active during the deadline.

However, according to Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic, the Nationals might not be active during the trade deadline after all.

Well, that certainly isn't what some teams want to hear. Max Scherzer is one name that a lot of people had questions about, and justifiably. He is a staff ace who could instantly put a contending rotation over the top in ways Gerrit Cole and Jacob deGrom could and remains one of the best in the MLB.

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On the other hand, it makes sense. The Nationals record isn't good, but they are within striking distance of the New York Mets, who have stayed atop the National League East, one of the weakest divisions in the MLB. With a few wins and a little bit of a hot streak, they could get right back in the thick of things and make some noise down the stretch.

If the Nationals lose some games by the time the All-Star break rolls around, perhaps they think again and make some players available. For now, they seem to be standing firm. As the MLB trade deadline approaches these things should iron themselves out.