Nationals expected to become sellers ahead of July 30 trade deadline

The Washington Nationals look like sellers again as they approach the July 30 trade deadline. For the third consecutive year, analysts around the league expect Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo to dish veteran players for prospects and draft picks as the team prepares for the future.

The tenor of Washington’s rebuild has changed in 2024 — it’s ahead of schedule. The Nationals are more competitive than they’ve been since winning the World Series in 2019, even if their 44-53 record leaves them 18 1/2 games back of the division-leading Phillies and six games out of a wild card spot.

An encouraging first half isn’t enough to turn the Nationals into buyers in the trade market. Before this week’s All-Star break, the Athletic reported that Rizzo is “ready to shift into sell mode,” ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.

The sale began on Saturday. Rizzo shipped reliever Hunter Harvey to the Royals in exchange for third baseman Cayden Wallace — who was Kansas City’s No. 2 prospect — and the No. 39 pick in last Sunday’s MLB draft.

The 29-year-old Harvey recorded a 4.20 ERA with 50 strikeouts through 45 innings in 2024. He was tied for the MLB lead with 26 holds before the trade.

“Kansas City had a lot of interest, a lot of teams had interest in Hunter. … ” Rizzo said Tuesday on 106.7 The Fan. “A lot of teams were on Hunter, but the timing worked for us because they were willing to give up the 39th pick. So we had to make the trade before the draft, obviously. We came to an agreement.”

Washington used the No. 39 pick on Caleb Lomavita, Baseball America’s top-ranked catcher in this year’s draft class.

The Athletic reported that Rizzo will look to trade away players on expiring deals as he prepares the roster to contend in the future.

Outfielder Jesse Winker appears to be one of Washington’s most likely trade candidates ahead of the deadline. Rizzo took a flyer on Winker, signing the 30-year-old to a minor league deal in February.

Winker has revived his career in Washington, recording 11 home runs and a .260 batting average after batting below the Mendoza line with Milwaukee last season.

“He’s been doing really well the whole first half,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Friday. “It’s fun to watch when he’s hitting.”

The revitalized Winker could draw interest from a potential playoff team looking to add a reliable bat to their lineup.

Like Winker, reliever Dylan Floro’s expiring contract makes him an obvious trade candidate.

The California native has shined since joining the Nationals on a one-year contract during the offseason, posting a career-best 2.11 ERA in 47 appearances from Washington’s bullpen. Floro set a franchise record in April and May with 21 consecutive shutout innings.

But the 33-year-old’s timeline doesn’t align with the upstart Nationals, who keep getting younger.

Closer Kyle Finnegan is in a similar situation. The 32-year-old has excelled in his fifth season with the Nationals, recording 25 saves with a 2.45 ERA. The Texas native was named an All-Star replacement earlier this week for his first-half efforts.

“It’s been wild. … ” Finnegan said Tuesday at the All-Star game. “I’ll certainly remember this forever.”

Though he’s been a steady presence for an inconsistent Washington pitching staff, Finnegan could be more valuable for a contending team looking to boost its bullpen ahead of a postseason run.

The first-time All-Star is entering his final year of club control; he could become a free agent in 2026.

Outfielder Lane Thomas, 28, is younger than Washington’s other potential trade pieces. But the 28-year-old is eligible for arbitration in 2025 with the option to enter free agency in 2026 — he’s not an obvious long-term option for the forward-looking Nationals.

Washington’s farm system is also well-stocked with young outfielders who could replace Thomas.

James Wood, the league’s No. 2 player in MLB’s Prospect Pipeline, debuted in left field for the Nationals on July 1. Experts believe No. 4 overall prospect Dylan Crews will join him in the outfield before the season ends.

Whatever moves the Nationals make at the deadline, those in the organization said fans should remain optimistic.

“We’ve got a bright future,” Nationals shortstop C.J. Abrams told the Athletic. “A lot of young guys and a tight group. There’s good energy every day. I do think we’re going to win, really soon.”