Nationals eyeing best of both worlds at trade deadline

The Washington Nationals are in a difficult spot as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches.

The Nationals have a record of 53-52 and are in the hunt for the final wild-card spot. While their playoff hopes are still alive, they would need to pass other teams to reach the postseason.

As such, the Nationals are preparing for both scenarios. According to Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic, the Nationals may be buyers and sellers ahead of the trade deadline, with a focus on acquiring at least one major league player to supplement the roster.

Washington Nationals could be one of the more fascinating teams ahead of the trade deadline

Nusbaum noted that the Nationals' search for major league options could include rental options, particularly in the bullpen. Likewise, the Nationals are expected to continue listening to offers for infielders CJ Abrams and Luis Garcia, as well as pitcher Foster Griffin.

The Nationals' willingness to move Griffin may be a bit of a surprise as Washington was hoping to work out an extension with their breakout pitcher. However, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that those talks "fizzled quickly." 

Straddling the line between being buyers and sellers makes sense for other reasons as well. The Nationals have a new front office headed by team president Paul Toboni and general manager Anirudh Kilambi. They may want to continue rebuilding the roster according to their philosophy, moving players who may not fit that vision. 

A lot can change over the next few days. The Nationals could get hot and firmly move into buyer territory. For now, however, the Nationals are looking to have the best of both worlds.