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The non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone, but there are still deals to be made throughout the month of August. We saw one take place with Alex Rios, but we’ve also already heard of several players going through waivers, all of which have passed to this point, including one pitcher in particular from the Washington Nationals.
The Nationals signed Dan Haren this past offseason hoping that he’d be an excellent addition to the back end of an already strong rotation. The deal hasn’t really worked out for either side, though Haren has improved as the second half has worn on, when he’s actually been on the bump.
Haren has struggled to maintain consistency, and has had some health problems, this season, which will likely lead to this being his only season with the Nationals. He has already admitted that he probably won’t be brought back, as he didn’t fulfill the expectations that came with signing with a contender like Washington.
Which is why the Nationals should look to move him during the waiver trade period. He’s already passed through waivers, so he can be moved without having to go through that process. He’s come on lately, as he’s gone for quality starts in six of his last seven outings. He’s regained some of that All Star form.
But if he’s not going to be back next year, as he’s already admitted, perhaps now is the time to move him. The return wouldn’t be outstanding, but it certainly would be better than if they had moved him prior to July 31st. With the Nationals continuing to look like a long shot to make the playoffs, moving him to get something of value, rather than letting him walk in free agency, is the right move.
