Three trade candidates for the rebuilding Nationals

The Washington Nationals are in the midst of another rebuilding year. Sporting a 26-30 record, putting them in fourth place in the NL East, the rebuild isn't over.

The Nationals are expected to be sellers come this trade deadline. Last season, the team parted with Lane Thomas. This time around, it appears they will need to dig deeper. But who might they trade who could help complete their rebuild? 

Nathaniel Lowe 

Lowe, who will be a free agent after 2026 and recently lost his arbitration fight, is a clear-cut trade candidate. The Gold Glove-winning first baseman is hitting .224/.292/.379 with eight home runs on the season. This probably won’t make Lowe the trade piece who helps the Nationals complete their prolonged rebuild, but he could be a big piece of the puzzle. Not to mention, it was only in 2022 when he hit for a .302 batting average with 27 home runs. Any team that expects Lowe could return to that form might jump at the opportunity to snatch him. 

Amed Rosario 

Locked into a one-year contract with the Nationals, Rosario is working toward a stat line worth trading for. In 89 at-bats, the 29-year-old utility infielder is hitting .303/.333/.449 with two home runs. His career .274 batting average speaks volumes to the consistent quality he brings to the plate. Although, since Rosario isn't an everyday player, his value remains rather low. However, he may be one of Washington's easiest players to unload since numerous teams on a list headlined by the Braves and Yankees are in the market for someone of his talent. 

Kyle Finnegan 

Finnegan, who was an All-Star reliever just last season, is another enticing option in his walk year. The Nationals closer has an ERA of 2.29 with 18 strikeouts this year, but there may be a downside to come. Teams that thoroughly research Finnegan might be wary of his current numbers as his production typically falls as the season drags on, posting a second-half ERA of 4.05 over five years in the MLB. His 4.03 career ERA on the road also doesn't bode well for potential suitors. Still, Finnegan would appear to be the Nationals' best bet for reaping the rewards of the trade market.