5 Biggest Washington Nationals Rumors Two Weeks Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

5 Biggest Washington Nationals Rumors Two Weeks Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

By Jason Fletcher

July 18, 2015

5 Biggest Washington Nationals Rumors Two Weeks Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

Craig Kimbrel Padres — The Washington Nationals have had to deal with an absurd amount of injuries in 2015. Currently, Jayson Werth, Anthony Rendon, Denard Span, Ryan Zimmerman, and Stephen Strasburg are all on the disabled list. If the Nationals are going to be threats in the National League, they need those guys to return to form once they're healthy, but that may be easier said than done. Here are five rumors of players who the team could target before the deadline.

The Washington Nationals have had to deal with an absurd amount of injuries in 2015. Currently, Jayson Werth, Anthony Rendon, Denard Span, Ryan Zimmerman, and Stephen Strasburg are all on the disabled list. If the Nationals are going to be threats in the National League, they need those guys to return to form once they're healthy, but that may be easier said than done. Here are five rumors of players who the team could target before the deadline.

5. A Deal For Adam Lind Doesn't Make Any Sense

Adam Lind Brewers

5. A Deal For Adam Lind Doesn't Make Any Sense

Adam Lind Brewers — Adam Lind has had a solid season for the Milwaukee Brewers, and he's a perfect trade chip for the team, but I don't truly believe that there's any merit to this rumor. Ryan Zimmerman is set to come off the disabled list within the next couple weeks, and the Nationals really like 30-year-old rookie Clint Robinson, so I'm not sure where Lind would fit.

Adam Lind has had a solid season for the Milwaukee Brewers, and he's a perfect trade chip for the team, but I don't truly believe that there's any merit to this rumor. Ryan Zimmerman is set to come off the disabled list within the next couple weeks, and the Nationals really like 30-year-old rookie Clint Robinson, so I'm not sure where Lind would fit.

4. Ben Zobrist Might Be Too Expensive

Ben Zobrist Athletics

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4. Ben Zobrist Might Be Too Expensive

Ben Zobrist Athletics — In a perfect world, general manager Mike Rizzo would be able to work out a deal with the Oakland Athletics for Ben Zobrist, and not have to trade any of his top prospects. In reality, it's never going to happen. Zobrist can play anywhere on the field, and his switch-hitting ability would benefit the Nationals' lineup. However, with four players set to return from the disabled list, it's a gamble that Rizzo isn't ready to take.

In a perfect world, general manager Mike Rizzo would be able to work out a deal with the Oakland Athletics for Ben Zobrist, and not have to trade any of his top prospects. In reality, it's never going to happen. Zobrist can play anywhere on the field, and his switch-hitting ability would benefit the Nationals' lineup. However, with four players set to return from the disabled list, it's a gamble that Rizzo isn't ready to take.

3. Joaquin Benoit Would Solve Set-Up Role Issues

Joaquin Benoit Padres

3. Joaquin Benoit Would Solve Set-Up Role Issues

Joaquin Benoit Padres — The Nationals have had trouble all season long bridging the gap between the starting pitcher, and closer Drew Storen. It's resulted in manager Matt Williams trying to push his starters further than he normally would, which has cost the team a few games. Adding one of the best setup men in all of baseball would certainly help solve the Nationals' late-inning issues.

The Nationals have had trouble all season long bridging the gap between the starting pitcher, and closer Drew Storen. It's resulted in manager Matt Williams trying to push his starters further than he normally would, which has cost the team a few games. Adding one of the best setup men in all of baseball would certainly help solve the Nationals' late-inning issues.

2. Nationals Remain Linked To Aroldis Chapman

Aroldis Chapman Reds

2. Nationals Remain Linked To Aroldis Chapman

Aroldis Chapman Reds — The Nationals are desperately looking for options to upgrade the back of the bullpen. There's no way the team can enter the postseason with the way the bullpen is currently constructed. While Aroldis Chapman would turn the Nationals into National League favorites, I worry his price tag may be too high for Rizzo. It would likely take two of the Nationals top-10 prospects to get Chapman, and I don't think Rizzo wants to do that.

The Nationals are desperately looking for options to upgrade the back of the bullpen. There's no way the team can enter the postseason with the way the bullpen is currently constructed. While Aroldis Chapman would turn the Nationals into National League favorites, I worry his price tag may be too high for Rizzo. It would likely take two of the Nationals top-10 prospects to get Chapman, and I don't think Rizzo wants to do that.

1. Craig Kimbrel Would Solve Late-Inning Woes

Craig Kimbrel Padres

1. Craig Kimbrel Would Solve Late-Inning Woes

Craig Kimbrel Padres — Craig Kimbrel was once the biggest Nationals' killer around. When he played for the Atlanta Braves, the Nationals couldn't touch Kimbrel. He's since been dealt to the San Diego Padres, and with the Padres' struggles, Kimbrel has been placed on the trade market. Kimbrel would likely come cheaper than Chapman in a trade, which makes him the ideal bullpen addition for the Nationals.

Craig Kimbrel was once the biggest Nationals' killer around. When he played for the Atlanta Braves, the Nationals couldn't touch Kimbrel. He's since been dealt to the San Diego Padres, and with the Padres' struggles, Kimbrel has been placed on the trade market. Kimbrel would likely come cheaper than Chapman in a trade, which makes him the ideal bullpen addition for the Nationals.

Jason Fletcher is a Senior 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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