Washington Nationals Rumors: Club May Trade Victor Robles For Nolan Arenado Or Kris Bryant If Josh Donaldson Goes Elsewhere

The Washington Nationals are amongst the front-runners for the signature of star free agent Josh Donaldson but they are now considering the possibility of trading away Victor Robles for either Nolan Arenado or Kris Bryant should their pursuit fail.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Nats have been very reluctant to this point to consider a trade for their star prospect. Industry experts project him to be an All-Star at the major league level even after a less-than-stellar offensive 2019 which saw him hit .255 with 17 homers.

However, his defensive skills were on full display as he recorded 23 outs above replacement, by far the best in the bigs. The next closest player was Kevin Kiermaier of the Tamp Bay Rays with 17. So long as Robles’ bat catches up with the league, he will be a real contributor for whatever team he plays for.

The Nationals lost out on Anthony Rendon as he elected to sign for the Los Angeles Angels on an enormous contract. As they were serious contenders, industry experts claim that Washington has enough money to satiate Josh Donaldson.

The third baseman wants a four-year contract, something few clubs offer to 34-year-old, but the Nats must be tempted. With both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves also in for Donaldson, they may have to pull out all the stops to land their man.

The links to Arenado and Bryant are contingent on that plan falling through. Kris Bryant’s availability, meanwhile, may hinge on his on-going service-time dispute with the Chicago Cubs. Should he win, he will become a free agent after the 2020 season and the Cubbies may elect to trade him.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies want catching, pitching and/or center field help in exchange for arguably their best-ever player. Arenado does have seven years and $234 million left on his contract but has an opt-out clause after the 2021 season.

The money shouldn’t be an obstacle for the Nationals and, as per Morosi’s report, they are now open to talking a Victor Robles trade. That means that should Washington miss out on Josh Donaldson, they will become clear favorites to land Nolan Arenado in the trade market.