The Week that was: MLB Trade Deadline Edition

Phew, these last two weeks have been rough for the Nationals. From being swept by the Padres to winning two out of three against the Cardinals over the weekend and then getting swept against the Diamondbacks, the Nationals are in a rough spot.

Following their off day yesterday, the Nationals will begin a 10-game homestand against the Milwaukee Brewers, the San Francisco Giants, and the Los Angeles Angels. [More on that later]

Since the month of July is over, here are a couple of numbers for the Nationals:

• Finished the month of July with a 10-16 record,
• 5-7 after the All-Star Game,
• 4-7 over the past 11 games,
• The Nationals are now 49-60, in fourth place in the NL East, and are 9.0 games back of the last Wild Card Spot in the National League.

Let's look back at all the things that happened around Nationals baseball this past week:

Nationals Continue Rebuild Mode at Trade Deadline

For the fourth consecutive year, the Washington Nationals found themselves as sellers at the MLB trade deadline. Despite speculation surrounding potential deals for players like Kyle Finnegan, the team ultimately opted to part ways with fan favorites Jesse Winker and Lane Thomas.

In exchange for the two outfielders, the Nationals acquired a package of prospects, continuing their focus on rebuilding efforts. While the deals may have disappointed some fans hoping for a more aggressive approach, the team remains committed to developing young talent and building a competitive roster for the future.

The Nationals also traded RHP Dylan Floro to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for 3B Andres Chaparro.

In his post-trade deadline news conference, Mike Rizzo said he would much rather find himself adding than subtracting this time of year. “It’s more fun, I know that much,” he said. “Way more fun grabbing All-Star players than giving away All-Star players. … This is challenging. This is a tough time for players, and we recognize that. But we think it’s a necessary time. I think this organization, this front office, did a remarkable job.”

Nationals Hold Onto Finnegan

While the Washington Nationals were active at the trade deadline, moving key pieces like Jesse Winker and Lane Thomas, All-Star closer Kyle Finnegan was one notable absence from the trade block.

General Manager Mike Rizzo indicated that the team did not receive offers that met their valuation for Finnegan. Given the high demand for elite relievers, the decision to retain him can be seen as a victory for the Nationals.  

By keeping Finnegan in the bullpen, the Nationals maintain a crucial piece of their pitching staff and position themselves for contention in the future.

Nationals Acquire New Talent, Promote Prospects

The Washington Nationals made several roster moves following the trade deadline, and new prospects joined the organization at various levels.

Triple-A Rochester has welcomed infielders Andres Chaparro and Jose Tena. Chaparro, acquired from the Diamondbacks, is a power-hitting corner infielder with a proven track record at the Triple-A level. Tena, obtained from the Guardians, brings big-league experience and versatility to the infield.  

Double-A Harrisburg has added pitcher Tyler Stuart, acquired from the Mets. Stuart made a solid debut, showcasing his potential as a starter. The team is also awaiting the return of infielder Cayden Wallace, who is recovering from an injury.

Low Single-A Fredericksburg has welcomed two prospects from the Lane Thomas trade: pitcher Alex Clemmey and infielder Rafael Ramirez. Clemmey, a second-round draft pick, will refine his control while Ramirez aims to improve his offensive production.

Home, finally.

The Washington Nationals are finally trading their suitcases for sleeping in their beds. After a grueling road schedule in the first half of the season that saw them play a league-leading 59 road games, the Nationals are returning home to open their longest homestand. Only the Yankees (60) have played more games on the road in the American League, and the Nationals lead the Nation League with the most road games so far this season.

While they initially found success away from D.C., the Nationals have since discovered a home-field advantage, posting a better winning percentage at home than on the road.

With 31 out of 53 games to be played at Nationals Park, the team hopes to capitalize on familiar surroundings and build momentum for the remainder of the season.

Beginning tonight, the Nationals kick off their longest homestand of the season: 10 games against three opponents (Brewers, Giants, Angels). That will be followed by a relatively simple distance to travel, a five-game trip to Baltimore and Philadelphia before they get to come home again. The Nationals won’t fly to a game again for three weeks when they make a quick trip to Atlanta before returning back to Washington, D.C.