The MLB trade deadline on July 31st is rapidly approaching, and the trade rumors around the Washington Nationals are starting to heat up. Washington is 51-35 and in first place in the NL East. But this team has falls and should be buyers at the deadline. With that in mind, here all the latest Nationals trade rumors.
Nats Interested In Jay Bruce?
Reds OF Jay Bruce is almost certainly going to be traded before the deadline, and Ken Rosenthal reports the Nationals are one of the teams interested in Bruce.
As for other moves, the Dodgers and Nationals are among the teams interested in Bruce, according to major-league sources, and the Indians are another reported possibility.
The Nationals don't have an obvious need in the OF, which makes their interest in Bruce a bit interesting. Bryce Harper is in right and Jayson Werth is in left, although Bruce might be an upgrade over Werth. The presence of former Reds manager Dusty Baker could be a factor as well.
Nationals Open To Dealing Michael Taylor?
The National recently sent down the OF, and Ken Rosenthal reports the team could trade him.
Outfielder Michael Taylor is one Nationals player who could be dangled as the team pursues a high-impact reliever. Taylor, 25, still could be the Nats' center fielder of the future, but Ben Revere is under club control through next season. Revere, earning $6.25 million, is eligible for arbitration one more time. The Nats previously have discussed trades involving Taylor.
Taylor getting sent down to the minors, seemingly increases the chances Washington could elect to deal him for some bullpen help.
Washington Worried About Joe Ross?
In his last start, Joe Ross dealt with noticeable velocity drops. The Nationals are concerned about the drop in speed and will investigate it.
"We are looking into some things," Baker said. "We have been limiting his innings. We usually take him out during the sixth and seventh inning, even though he cried for some more [innings]. We are trying to limit his workload."
Ross said he was only battling command issues. The 25-year-old has pitched well this season.
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