We're just days away from the 2015 MLB trade deadline, which means there are plenty of rumors swirling around the Washington Nationals and what they might do on the trade market. Here are two trades they could make:
Trade Drew Ward, Austin Voth, Nick Pivetta to Phillies for Jonathan Papelbon
The Nationals have very few holes to address before Friday's deadline, but an area they have circled as a potential spot for an upgrade is the back of the bullpen, and have alreayd had conversations with the Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon.
Via Jon Morosi of FOX Sports:
#Nationals have had trade talks with the #Phillies about Jonathan Papelbon, sources tell @Ken_Rosenthal and me. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 25, 2015
The mercurial 34-year-old righty is having yet another stellar season with the Phillies, pitching to a 1.59 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP while converting on all 17 of his save opportunities.
Papelbon would need to approve a trade to Washington, which may be a problem considering he wants to remain a closer. The Nats are set with Drew Storen at the back of the bullpen, but appear to be willing to figure out a rotation with the two for this to work.
Trade A.J. Cole, Drew Ward, Wilmer Difo to A's for Ben Zobrist
Washington has been scouting the Oakland Athletics in recent months, according to Morosi, noting that Washington has been linked to Ben Zobrist recently.
Zobrist plays left field for the A's, but he's a versatile player capable of playing every position in the outfield and in the infield. The Nationals have expressed a desire to upgrade their middle infield, meaning Zobrist would make the switch should he be dealt to Washington.
Oakland has been open about their desire to deal Zobrist in return for prospects, and the trio of Cole (RHP), Ward (3B), and Difo (INF) would give the A's talent at a variety of positions.
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