The Washington Nationals figure to be in the National League pennant race all season, and they appear to be looking for reinforcements to help them in that quest.
What kind of reinforcements? Well, one superstar outfielder with the Toronto Blue Jays appears to be on the Nationals’ radar ahead of Monday’s non-waiver MLB trade deadline.
Bautista, 35, will be a free agent at the end of the season and likely will command a massive contract on the open market. Thus, he’s probably only a rental option for Washington.
The Nats certainly need offensive help, though. They rank dead last among the 15 NL clubs with a .233 batting average in July, in addition to ranking 11th in on-base percentage and 13th in hits for the month. Reigning league MVP Bryce Harper also is struggling mightily in July.
Acquiring a player of Bautista’s caliber would be a very bold move for Washington, but the NL will be a tough race down the stretch, and you could argue the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants are ahead of the pack right now.
Thumbnail photo via Butch Dill/USA TODAY Sports Images
