3 Players Who the Nationals Should Explore Trading in Offseason

Just because the Washington Nationals are fresh off a World Series title, doesn't mean GM Mike Rizzo plans to have a quiet offseason. Rizzo will need to continue finding ways to improve the Nats roster in free agency. And while the team will certainly be looking to bring some talent in this offseason, they will also be offloading players.

So, here are three players the Nationals should explore trading this offseason.

3. RHP Hunter Strickland

When Hunter Strickland came up with the San Francisco Giants, he looked like a future closer with his power fastball. However, that hasn't come together and he didn't help the Nationals' woeful bullpen when they got him from the Seattle Mariners, posting a 5.14 ERA over 24 appearances. Strickland isn't the answer to turning this bullpen around, so they should try and unload him, even though he isn't making a ton.

2. OF Michael A. Taylor

Michael A. Taylor has speed and is a good defender in center field, but he's much more than a fourth outfielder. There are teams who would be willing to give him an opportunity to play every day, which he doesn't have in Washington. Since he has one more year of club control the Nats should see what they could get for Taylor, who in 2017 hit 19 home runs in under 400 at-bats.

1. INF Carter Kieboom

Carter Kieboom is Washington's top prospect and he got a taste of the big leagues earlier in the year, but the only way he'll stick is if he moves over to second base, as Trea Turner is their shortstop. That could be their plan, but they should dangle Kieboom on the trade market and see what they could acquire. Washington could certainly get a top-tier reliever for Kieboom, which they certainly need if they have plans of repeating as World Series champs.