The Washington Nationals did not want to be sellers at the non-waiver trade deadline because they believed they could still contend for a playoff spot, but they proved on Tuesday that not all fire sales need to be held on or before July 31.
Last week, the Nationals placed a handful of players on revocable waivers. Three of them — Bryce Harper, first baseman Matt Adams and second baseman Daniel Murphy — were claimed. Of those three, two are reportedly being traded. We’ll give you a hint: the best player is the one staying put.
According to multiple reports, Murphy is being traded to the Chicago Cubs and Adams is heading to the St. Louis Cardinals
Source indicates the Chicago Cubs claimed Daniel Murphy from the Nationals. Working out a deal.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) August 21, 2018
Sources: Nationals are dealing Matt Adams to the Cardinals.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 21, 2018
Both Murphy and Adams have been productive this season. Murphy, a 33-year-old veteran who is in his 10th MLB season, is hitting .300 with six home runs and 29 RBI. Adams, 29, is hitting .257 with 18 homers, 48 RBI and a .510 slugging percentage.
Harper said this week that he believes the Nationals are in a great spot in the standings, but the team’s front office clearly disagrees. They’re 7.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East and 6.5 games back in the wild card, and it’s clear the towel has been thrown in.
