As trade deadlines approach, the Nationals become clad in familiar territory. The sales, scouting and staring public of decisions that could shape the next era of baseball in DC holds the overall pick of No. 1 in the upcoming draft, with the younger work flooding the big league roster. This season is extremely important for young players’ development, trials and mistakes, and will determine the future direction of the team.
Washington struggles to find an identity outside of James Wood, CJ Abrams and Mackenzie Gore. The veterans on this team have lost their spot, and there are growing numbers of questions about what Washington should do at the trade deadline this season.
I intend to break down Washington’s top trade candidates in 2025. Whether veterans struggle to find consistency, overperformance, or consistency, the winning organization takes these veterans a chance and gives up and acquire minor league talent.
Finnegan made his MLB debut in Washington in 2020 as a 28-year-old, and began his MLB career at his age. Since then he has been a reliable bullpen arm and has posted ERAs below 4.00 since his debut. 2025 was his best season, posting a career-high 2.49 ERA as Washington’s leading closer.
At 33, he would become the perfect trade candidate for Washington. Finnegan’s age does not fit with Washington’s current timeline. Right-handed people can be seen as a candidate for Washington to sell. Finnegan has also been a free agent since this season, indicating that in the past, cheap organizations (Milwaukee and Hader/Williams) don’t want to sign a closure in the long term.
It makes too much sense not to shop for Finnegan. Finnegan’s track record and remaining controls could help attract solid prospects and advance the rebuild.
Rosario was around the league during his nine-year career. On his sixth team, Rosario has always been a solid bat and an excellent defender throughout his career. This season, Rosario has a career-high with batting average (.302) and slugging percentage (.469). He can play anywhere on the infield, is a great bench bat and can help his team by launching fillers.
The Rosary is a potential trade deadline for the past three seasons. However, he has successfully transitioned himself to other teams and has proven to have a great locker room presence and excellent leadership. And in a similar place to Finnegan, Rosario is a free agent heading into 2026, so it’s ideal to get something for the rental.
He may not regain a big return, but the versatility and experience of Rosario could be a valuable pick for a candidate who wants to pack an infield hole.
Josh Bell, included in one of the biggest deals in MLB history, knows the trade deadline. Like Amed Rosario, Bell has been dealt with for the past three years and has provided much needed assistance to the teams they acquire services. The switch hitter has a career of .783 OPS, making his entire career above average batter. He is also an OB-based machine and has a career of 0.341 on-base percentage.
The 32-year-old has struggled for most of the season and has a low career in all statistical categories. However, Bell found some offensive juices and reduced .268/.373/.465. He’s not present against left-handed, but the team wants a left-handed bat that breaks right-handed pitching.
It seems inevitable that Josh Bell will appear in trade blocks on a deadline, and it would be wise for the public to measure interest just to keep all options open.
Cole has been in Washington since 2022 and has been an incredible bench bat and fourth outfielder. With limited playing time, he made the most of his opportunities and was quietly good over the past two seasons. This seasonCall’s OPS+ is 113, and he has an incredible walking rate (12.7%) and strikeout rate (13.4%). Also, the call was under control until 2029, reaching his first year of arbitration this offseason.
The nuts win. Nut wins 2-0.
Alex Cole hit the first HR of the year, with NATS pitching dominating.
A great outing from Mike Soroka, a great job from the bullpen, Kyle Finnegan makes a save.
pic.twitter.com/129snlappp– DC Rising (@DC__RISING) June 7, 2025
At 30, Cole doesn’t fit the Washington timeline. When Daylen Lile and Robert Hassell made a huge impact early in their careers and Jacob Young returns from injury, Washington should be trying to make a call while he’s still good worth.
Given his years of control and offensive advantages, Cole could be an attractive piece of depth for a candidate, especially if injuries or outfield needs become urgent.
What does NAT trade deadline mean?
The 2025 trade deadline may still be weeks away, but early moves around the league could force Washington’s hands. Hovering just below the .500, the nationals can sit in a gray area and push, but may sell. If you choose the latter, they can have veterans who can help them regain real value and build a stronger foundation for the future.
