MLB Rumors: 3 Nationals Expected To Be Dealt This Summer

Now that we know, without a doubt, that the Washington Nationals will not be trading Juan Soto this summer (according to Nats GM Mike Rizzo), that doesn't mean the Nationals won't be busy at this year's trade deadline.

In fact, according to former major league GM and The Athletic's Jim Bowden, the Nationals, who are in a definite rebuild phase, will be looking to get back some assets for several players this summer. Here are three to keep an eye on:

Nelson Cruz

The ageless DH (well, his age will be 42 next month) surprised a lot of folks when he signed a one-year deal with the Nationals this season. But that 'one year' could more than likely turn out to be a half-year, as he would make for a perfect trade piece for a team looking for a bit of thump in their lineup at a minimal cost. 

He's off to a bit of a slow start, with a .251 average and a .703 OPS and 5 HR, but as Bowden says, "if he gets hot, a team looking for a bat and a clubhouse leader might have interest."

Josh Bell

Here's another big bat in the Nationals lineup that will become a free agent at season's end. He's off to a fine start to the season, batting .303 with an .802 OPS and 29 RBIs. 

Bowden suggests the Toronto Blue Jays as a perfect fit, as a team desperate for a middle-of-the-order left-handed power bat. 

Tanner Rainey

The 29-year-old right-hander has claimed the Nationals' closer role this season, with 7 saves, a 2.60 ERA and a 10.4 K/9 ratio. He would make for a fine late-inning high-leverage arm for a number of contending teams looking to solidify their bullpens.

The Nationals are definitely a team to keep an eye on as we enter trading season this summer.

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