How the Nationals Plan to Approach the Trade Deadline

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How the Nationals Plan to Approach the Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By John Sparaco | Last updated Jul 25, 2026 1:43 PM ET

The Washington Nationals are in an interesting position as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches, sitting squarely on the fence with a 52-52 record — one of MLB’s biggest surprises.

For weeks, rival evaluators have expected the overachieving Nationals to be sellers. That remains the case to some degree, with FanGraphs putting their postseason odds at 5.7 percent before Saturday’s game. While it is likely Washington sells off some pieces with its long-term plans in mind, the club has seemingly convinced the front office it is worthy of some level of investment.

According to Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic, the Nationals plan to both buy and sell at the trade deadline, barring a “massive” collapse in the next week. The club is reportedly aiming to acquire at least one big league player and will even consider adding someone on an expiring contract if it deems he is the right fit.

Unsurprising: Rival evaluators expect the Nats to sell off some pieces at the trade deadline.

More surprising: The team also plans to buy at least a little bit at the deadline, per source, (though what it adds could still be outweighed by what it sells):https://t.co/X5t8FcfAD6
— Spencer Nusbaum (@spencernusbaum_) July 25, 2026

This does not mean the Nationals will push for a top-of-the-market player, such as Tarik Skubal. Nusbaum noted that any additions may be “light in scope” and could be outweighed by what Washington also sells. But for the first time in a long time, the front office is looking at other big league clubhouses for immediate help. The Nationals have not added an active big leaguer at the deadline since CJ Abrams and Luke Voit arrived in the 2022 Juan Soto deal.

Washington’s immediate needs are obvious. The Nationals rank 28th out of 30 teams in bullpen ERA (5.03) and are currently on pace to break the major league record for blown saves. Their rotation is not much better, with a collective 4.51 ERA, and outside of Foster Griffin and Cade Cavalli, it is unclear who could be trusted to start a postseason game.

The Nationals will not close themselves off to adding position players, according to Nusbaum. However, for an offense that currently leads MLB with 569 runs and 151 homers, that is not as glaring a need unless Abrams or Luis García Jr. gets moved elsewhere. Both have garnered interest on the trade market, though there is no pressure to move either before the deadline since they are under team control beyond 2026.

Griffin’s situation is a bit more complicated, as the breakout left-hander is set to become a free agent at season’s end. The 30-year-old All-Star has made 20 starts so far this year, going 11-2 with a 2.68 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP over 117.1 innings. He should have plenty of suitors if he is made available at the deadline.

Trading Griffin would perhaps be the clearest sign the Nationals have transitioned to full-sell mode. Washington is currently just three games back of the final NL Wild Card spot, but without its best pitcher, it would be very difficult to stay in the race down the stretch.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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