3 Players Nationals Should Target in Trade This Offseason

The Washington Nationals have no time to bask in the glories of their 2019 World Series win, as they have two of their best players potentially hitting the open market. They need to retool if they want to prevent the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies from passing them in a suddenly crowded NL East. These three players could be perfect additions if the Nats can swing a trade.

3. INF Jonathan Villar

On an Orioles team that was in baseball's basement for the entire 2019 season, Villar is one of the few tangible assets that managed to standout. Playing in all 162 games, Villar hit .274 and set new career highs in home runs (24) and RBIs (73) while stealing 40 bases. The uncertain free agency of Anthony Rendon could create a massive hole on the infield. Villar has experience at third from his time in Milwaukee, and could be had for a less-than exorbitant price.

2. RHP Kirby Yates

Don't let the postseason performance of Daniel Hudson and Sean Doolittle fool you, the Nationals bullpen is still in dire straits. Yates had a microscopic 1.19 ERA and saved 41 games this season. Frankly, it's a crime he was not the National League's Reliever of the Year. It could be hard to pry Yates away from Jayce Tingler and a Padres team that wants to win now, but Washington has enough prospects in the minors to force San Diego's hand.

1. OF Mookie Betts

This would be massive and paradigm-shifting, but the Nationals are one of the few teams in the league with both a need for another superstar and the capital to make a move for him. The Red Sox are looking to do some restructuring this offseason, and could trade away Betts amid a contract dispute. Victor Robles and Adam Eaton are solid, but they're not even close to Betts, and Mookie in the nation's capital next to Juan Soto would be a fearsome of a corner outfield pairing.