It’s time to turn out the lights in Washington because the Nationals are done.
The 2019 World Series champions wake up Monday with a record of 45-53. That’s good for fourth place in the National League East, eight games behind the first-place New York Mets, and 11 games back in the National League wild-card race.
Introducing Yankees Insider: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers
That led The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal to conclude “No longer is there a question about whether the Nats should sell. … There is no shame in the Nats admitting the obvious: It isn’t their year.”
The Nationals’ biggest trade chip is ace Max Scherzer. But the three-time Cy Young Award winner might not be the only player Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo might send packing, according to Rosenthal.
Assuming he is healthy, trade Scherzer, a potential free agent who effectively can choose his next destination by exercising his right to veto any trade as a player with 10 years of service, five consecutive with the team. Trade relievers Brad Hand and Daniel Hudson, utility man Josh Harrison, maybe even two players on the injured list, left fielder Kyle Schwarber and catcher Yan Gomes, if teams are willing to assume the risk.
If Rizzo commits to selling off parts, he could have one of the best trade chips on the market in Scherzer, who turns 37 Tuesday. SNY’s Andy Martino reports that according to league sources, the Mets “will inquire” about Scherzer, who is 7-4 with a 2.83 ERA in 18 starts.
If the Mets land Scherzer, and if both he and two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom are healthy (and that’s a big if), the Mets could have the best 1-2 punch in the playoffs.
Get Yankees text messages: Cut through the clutter of social media and text with beat writers and columnists. Plus, get breaking news, exclusive insight and analysis every day. Sign up now.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.
Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
