Blue Jays: Six teams that could be trade partners at the deadline

Washington Nationals

Another team sitting at the bottom of their respective division, the 2022 campaign has not been kind to the Washington Nationals. Amidst the Juan Soto trade rumours and potential rebuild in the works, the club should be dealing some trade pieces over the next month to help move things forward.

The player to go for on the Nationals is 1B Josh Bell, a switch-hitting Texas product that is having a great campaign in Washington. He currently owns a .304/.386./491 slash line on the year with 12 home runs, 47 RBI, and 40 walks compared to 50 strikeouts. He does have some outfield experience but has spent all season at first base. He could form a very nice platoon with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base/DH and his .877 OPS would be a huge benefit to the club to finish out the season. He is a pending free agent this offseason.

The Nationals have some arms in the bullpen that could do well with the Jays but it will be tough to pry them from the opposing club because most have several years of contract control.

Tanner Rainey and Kyle Finnegan stick out amongst the group but I would imagine neither would be available due to the contract control (unless an overwhelming offer comes through). Carl Edwards Jr. is having a great season in Washington but fans may be hesitant after he posted a 6.75 ERA with the Blue Jays last season through six outings. Steve Cishek is another name to keep an eye on but he would not be that great of an upgrade over the current options, especially since the club already boasts a sidearmer in Adam Cimber amongst the relief ranks.

A deal for Bell and Edwards Jr. might make the most sense when dealing with the Nationals but there could be better deals out there for a more impactful relief pitcher.