Who’s on the Block? The Nationals Most Valuable Trade Chips

With the deadline approaching and the rebuild still in motion, we break down which current Nationals could draw the most interest, and the biggest returns on the trade market.

As the trade deadline creeps closer, the Nationals find themselves in familiar territory: selling, scouting, and staring down decisions that could shape the next era of baseball in D.C. The Nationals hold the No.1 overall pick in the upcoming draft and young pieces are flooding the big league roster. This season is crucial for the development, trial, and error of young players, as well as determining the future direction of the team.

Washington has struggled to find an identity outside of James Wood, CJ Abrams, and MacKenzie Gore. Veterans on this team are losing their spots and questions are rising about what Washington should do at the trade deadline this season.

I am going to break down the top trade candidates for Washington in 2025. Whether the veteran is struggling to find consistency, overperforming, or struggling to find consistency, win-now organizations will take chances on these veterans and give up minor-league talent to acquire them.

RHP Kyle Finnegan

Finnegan started his MLB career at an older age, making his MLB debut with Washington in 2020 as a 28-year-old. Since then, he has been a reliable bullpen arm, posting a sub-4.00 ERA since his debut. 2025 has been his best season yet, posting a career-high 2.49 ERA as Washington’s primary closer.

At 33 years old, he would be the perfect trade candidate for Washington. Finnegan’s age does not fit with Washington’s current timeline. The right-hander could be viewed by Washington as a sell-high candidate, seeing this is the best he has ever played. Finnegan is also a free agent after this season, and we have seen cheaper organizations in the past (Milwaukee with Hader/Williams) show unwillingness to sign their closers long-term.

It makes too much sense not to shop Finnegan, whose track record and remaining control could net a solid prospect and help move the rebuild forward.

INF Amed Rosario

Rosario has been around the league quite in his nine-year career. On his sixth team, Rosario has always been a solid bat and a good defender his entire career. This season, Rosario is posting career highs with his batting average (.302) and his slugging percentage (.469). He can play everywhere in the infield and could help out a team by being a great bench bat and starting filler.

Rosario has been a trade deadline candidate for the past three seasons. However, he has transitioned himself onto other teams well, proving to have a great locker room presence and great leadership. And in a similar spot as Finnegan, Rosario is a free agent heading into 2026, so looking to get something for a rental would be ideal.

While he may not bring back a major return, Rosario’s versatility and experience could make him a valuable pickup for a contender looking to plug holes in the infield.

1B/DH Josh Bell

Included in one of the biggest trades in MLB history, Josh Bell knows about the trade deadline. Similar to Amed Rosario, Bell has been dealt with for the past three years and has provided much-needed help to the team acquiring his services. The switch-hitter has a career .783 OPS and has been an above-average hitter his entire career. He is also an ob-base machine, having a career of .341 on-base percentage.

The 32-year-old has struggled for most of the season, posting career lows in every statistical category. However, Bell has found some offensive juice, slashing .268/.373/.465. He is non-existent against lefties but teams want a lefty bat that smashes right-handed pitching.

It seems inevitable that Josh Bell ends up on the trade block every deadline, and it would be wise for the Nationals to gauge interest if only to keep all options open.

OF Alex Call

Call has been with Washington since 2022 and has been a great bench bat and fourth outfielder. In limited playing time, he has made the most of his opportunities and has been quietly good over the past two seasons. This season, Call has an OPS+ of 113 and he has an incredible walk rate (12.7%) and strikeout rate (13.4%), which ranks among the best in baseball. Call is also under control through 2029, hitting his first arbitration year in this coming off-season.

At 30 years old, Call doesn’t fit the timeline in Washington. With Daylen Lile and Robert Hassell making great impacts early in their career and Jacob Young coming back from injury, Washington should look to move Call while his value is still good.

Given his years of control and offensive upside, Call could be an appealing depth piece for contenders, especially if injuries mount and outfield needs become urgent.

What Could the Trade Deadline Mean for the Nats?

The 2025 trade deadline may still be weeks away, but the early movement around the league could force Washington’s hand. Hovering just below .500, the Nationals sit in a gray area, capable of making a push, but just as likely to sell. If they choose the latter, they have veterans who could bring back real value and help lay a stronger foundation for the future.