San Francisco Giants: Five Best Potential Trade Partners

The Washington Nationals

Current Record: 38-21, 1st in NL East

Playoff Odds according to FiveThirtyEight: 97%

The Nationals might be in the biggest “WIN-NOW” Mode of everyone, which makes them good targets for going after their farm system. Frankly, most experts think their farm system is terrible. But they have a few gems that might be worth grabbing. First off, we have to understand what they might want.

Of course they’re going to want Mark Melancon, but coupled with a super utility player like Nunez, the Nationals would be salivating. The Giants would then have to convince them that the combo would be worth one of Victor Robles, or Juan Soto. If they can, I make that trade in a heartbeat for the Giants.

The big issue is I don’t see the Giants wanting to split with Melancon just yet, unless they believe top starting prospect turned closer, Kyle Crick could take over the reigns as effectively, or even better. Melancon has had his struggles this year though, and it seems the yips are as contagious all throughout the Giants pen. But, the closer spot seems to be the biggest area that the Nationals could use a significant upgrade. Melancon would be that, and the Giants, outside of the Rays, are likely the only “seller” with an elite closer.

If the Nationals want Melancon back, it would likely take Robles, and for them to take on all of Melancon’s contract beyond this season. If they pony up and do it, Bobby Evans better say yes and file it before the Nationals realize how bad of a trade that might be. But, sometimes teams see red when it’s “win-now” mode. The Nationals are a great candidate to be that team.