5 Players Washington Nationals Should Target Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

5 Players Washington Nationals Should Target Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

By Jason Fletcher

July 2, 2015

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5 Players Washington Nationals Should Target Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

Aroldis Chapman Reds — For anyone unfamiliar with Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, his philosophy surrounding the trade deadline is very simple. Rizzo isn't going to make a deal for a rental player. He's all about trading for players who are under team control for more than the current season, so don't look for the Nationals to acquire someone like Justin Upton. Here are five players Rizzo should be interested in.

For anyone unfamiliar with Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, his philosophy surrounding the trade deadline is very simple. Rizzo isn't going to make a deal for a rental player. He's all about trading for players who are under team control for more than the current season, so don't look for the Nationals to acquire someone like Justin Upton. Here are five players Rizzo should be interested in.

5. 2B/SS Chris Owings, Arizona Diamondbacks

Chris Owings Diamondbacks

5. 2B/SS Chris Owings, Arizona Diamondbacks

Chris Owings Diamondbacks — There have already been reports that Rizzo is interested in the Arizona Diamondbacks' glut of infielders, and Chris Owings might be the right fit. I wrote in an earlier article that Aaron Hill might be the most appealing Diamondback middle infielder to the Nationals because of his experience, but Owings has the ability to play shortstop, unlike Hill. With the struggles of Ian Desmond, the Nationals need a reliable shortstop option.

There have already been reports that Rizzo is interested in the Arizona Diamondbacks' glut of infielders, and Chris Owings might be the right fit. I wrote in an earlier article that Aaron Hill might be the most appealing Diamondback middle infielder to the Nationals because of his experience, but Owings has the ability to play shortstop, unlike Hill. With the struggles of Ian Desmond, the Nationals need a reliable shortstop option.

4. OF Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers

Andre Ethier Dodgers

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4. OF Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers

Andre Ethier Dodgers — With Carl Crawford getting close to returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup, Andre Ethier could become expendable. While a trade may not ever happen due to the two teams competing for the National League pennant, Ethier would fill a number of needs for the Nationals. With Jayson Werth out until at least August, Ethier would give the Nationals a solid left-handed bat til Werth returns and then he has experience as a fourth outfielder.

With Carl Crawford getting close to returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup, Andre Ethier could become expendable. While a trade may not ever happen due to the two teams competing for the National League pennant, Ethier would fill a number of needs for the Nationals. With Jayson Werth out until at least August, Ethier would give the Nationals a solid left-handed bat til Werth returns and then he has experience as a fourth outfielder.

3. 2B/SS Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs

Javier Baez Cubs

3. 2B/SS Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs

Javier Baez Cubs — It's no secret that the Chicago Cubs and Jordan Zimmermann have mutual interest that could lead to Zimmermann heading to the North-side of Chicago in the offseason. With the Cubs trying to make the playoffs this season, it would make sense to deal for Zimmermann by the trade deadline, as he could help them sooner rather than later. The Nationals would likely ask for Baez or Addison Russell in return, with Baez being the more likely option.

It's no secret that the Chicago Cubs and Jordan Zimmermann have mutual interest that could lead to Zimmermann heading to the North-side of Chicago in the offseason. With the Cubs trying to make the playoffs this season, it would make sense to deal for Zimmermann by the trade deadline, as he could help them sooner rather than later. The Nationals would likely ask for Baez or Addison Russell in return, with Baez being the more likely option.

2. Util Ben Zobrist, Oakland Athletics

Ben Zobrist Athletics

2. Util Ben Zobrist, Oakland Athletics

Ben Zobrist Athletics — Ben Zobrist is like a Swiss Army knife -- he can play any position, and he is a solid switch-hitter. The Nationals had interest in trading for Zobrist back in the offseason before the Tampa Bay Rays sent him to the Oakland Athletics. Rizzo loves versatile players, and Zobrist has the most versatility of any player in MLB. He would probably be more expensive than Rizzo would like, but Zobrist is one player who would be worth the price.

Ben Zobrist is like a Swiss Army knife -- he can play any position, and he is a solid switch-hitter. The Nationals had interest in trading for Zobrist back in the offseason before the Tampa Bay Rays sent him to the Oakland Athletics. Rizzo loves versatile players, and Zobrist has the most versatility of any player in MLB. He would probably be more expensive than Rizzo would like, but Zobrist is one player who would be worth the price.

1. LHP Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds

Aroldis Chapman Reds

1. LHP Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds

Aroldis Chapman Reds — This might be more wishing than anything, but Aroldis Chapman would make the Nationals the instant favorites in the National League. The bullpen has been a weakness all season long, minus Drew Storen who has been amazing, and adding Chapman would turn a weakness into a strength. Entering the seventh inning with David Carpenter, Drew Storen and Chapman lined up is a daunting task for opponents to face.

This might be more wishing than anything, but Aroldis Chapman would make the Nationals the instant favorites in the National League. The bullpen has been a weakness all season long, minus Drew Storen who has been amazing, and adding Chapman would turn a weakness into a strength. Entering the seventh inning with David Carpenter, Drew Storen and Chapman lined up is a daunting task for opponents to face.

Jason Fletcher is a MLB Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google+.

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