Nationals In Talks With 8 Teams For Sought-After Trade Candidate

The Washington Nationals are one of the few bonafide sellers at this year's trade deadline, and one of their most sought-after pieces is third baseman Jeimer Candelario. According to GM Mike Rizzo, speaking on MLB Network Radio Sunday morning, they have a slew of interested teams they're in talks with.

We've got about eight teams that are calling on him. We'll get serious today or tomorrow. And once we get a player that piques our interest, the deal will happen quickly.

Mike Rizzo #Nationals just told us they have 8 teams in on Candelario and when they get the right player they will move fast and get something done.
— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) July 30, 2023

Candelario has had a career year in the nation's capital, posting an OPS+ of 127, with a .341 on-base, .482 slugging and .823 OPS along with 16 HR and 53 RBIs.

The 29-year-old is much in demand at the deadline, and being on a one-year, $5M contract, the rebuilding Nationals have no need for him going forward as he'll enter free agency this winter. The Chicago Cubs are said to be one team eyeing him.

SOURCE : The #ChicagoCubs are interested in adding a bat to their lineup and are eyeing the possibility of returning #JeimerCandelario. pic.twitter.com/ENUZbYatI1
— Mike Rodriguez (@mikedeportes) July 30, 2023

Rizzo, however, although taking calls, is nowhere close to trading outfielder Lane Thomas, who has essentially been their best player this year.

Mike Rizzo #Nationals told us that Lane Thomas is 95th percentile in running speed and arm strength has played well defensively with improved angles, jumps, and going back on balls. Has speed and power. The only reason they would trade him is to get a position they need more than…
— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) July 30, 2023

Showing power at the plate, speed on the bases and great defense in the field, Rizzo isn't going to give away the 27-year-old. And the only chance he sees of moving him is if the Nationals are offered good prospect help in a position of need.

Photo: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports