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Although they might avoid finishing last in their division for the fourth straight year, the Washington Nationals will miss the postseason for the fifth straight time since winning the 2019 World Series.
With the team's 49-57 record making them one of the NL's worst clubs, GM Mike Rizzo has some important decisions ahead. Instead of keeping some of the stars that they have developed, it has now become clear that the team will need to sell off some talent between now and the MLB trade deadline at 6 pm ET on Thursday.
As the clock continues to tick, today we will be examining three players who could very well be in their final hours as members of the Washington Nationals.
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Three Washington Nationals Players Who Could be Traded Soon
3. Joey Meneses
Although he has missed some time to injury this season, injuries to Joey Gallo have cleared the way for Joey Meneses to man first base in about half of the Nats' games this season. After hitting 13 home runs in each of the past two seasons, Meneses' power has diminished, and the 32-year-old Mexican has hit just three homers in 76 games this year.
That said, several teams, including the Seattle Mariners, are looking for a DH who can play first base and produce. Despite boasting an OPS of just .593, the Washington Nationals will soon cease to require Meneses, and getting something out of him while they can is likely the best move.
2. Keibert Ruiz
With the Washington Nationals currently being put on sale by the Lerner family, slashing payroll has become a top priority. Even the sacred cows of the lineup will not be free from scrutiny.
"Keibert Ruiz homers to make it a 7-run inning for the @Nationals" - MLB
The Washington Nationals signed Venezuelan catcher Keibert Ruiz to an eight-year deal worth $50 million in 2023. However, more than a year on, the deal might not look as good. Since inking the deal, the 26-year-old is hitting .245/.288/.384 with 26 home runs and 100 RBIs in two seasons.
Similar to what the Miami Marlins did with Giancarlo Stanton, offering a contending team that needs catching a chance to take some of Ruiz's contract would certainly help slash payroll, and free up more possibilities for the Nationals.
1. Kyle Finnegan
If the rumblings around the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline have taught us anything, it is that pitching - especially relief pitching - is in high demand. Thankfully, the Washington Nationals tout one of baseball's best relief arms in Kyle Finnegan.
"RUMOR: The #Yankees are targeting Nationals right-handed reliever Kyle Finnegan, who has a 2.47 ERA over 43.2 innings this season, according to @JonHeyman" - Bronx Bombers News
A former sixth-round Oakland Athletics draft pick, Finnegan has been with the Nationals since making his MLB debut in 2020. A first-time All-Star in 2024, Finnegan has gone 2-4 this year, pitching to a 2.47 ERA through 43 innings, and posting 44 strikeouts.
With teams like the Dodgers, Mets and New York Yankees looking to increase their pitching abilities, Finnegan is a top option for the Nationals to deal.
