MLB Trade Deadline: Washington Nationals Trade Rumors, News and Needs

The Washington Nationals are on a hot streak so far this season. After sending some players to DL with injuries early on, the team is recovering and shaping back up with the returns of Michael Morse and Ryan Zimmerman. The lineup is stronger than before as the team maintains its place at the top of the NL East.

The Nationals are seeing confident and composed performances from their pitchers, exciting play from Bryce Harper and great hitting production from Ian Desmond, Ryan Zimmerman and Steve Lombardozzi.

With the MLB Trade deadline coming up at the end of July, let's look at the important news, rumors and needs for the Washington Nationals.

News

According to Ben Nicholson-Smith from MLBtraderumors.com, Ryan Zimmerman signed a six-year, $100 million contract extension with the Washington Nationals in February of this year.

Zimmerman was placed on DL by the Nationals earlier this season, but is now back in the Nats’ lineup and planning on playing through his injury throughout the season (via Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post).

With this contract extension, the Nationals are investing in Zimmerman, who is a long-time franchise player for the team. Zimmerman has been performing like his old self and shown up much more strongly with his hitting.

Rumors

According to Zach Links from MLBtraderumors.com, the Washington Nationals could be interested in trading for Scott Podsednik. Rumor has it that the Miami Marlins are also looking to add Podsednik to their roster.

Podsednik is currently an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox. He was traded to the Red Sox in May. Having bounced around to several different teams throughout his career, Podsednik fills gaps and offers quick fixes to holes in the roster.

The Nats could use Podsednik to add to their hitting numbers and for extra support in the outfield.

Needs

The Nationals need to be looking to acquire a strong center fielder. Right now, the Nationals have 19-year-old phenom Bryce Harper as their “short term” CF solution.

As the trade deadline approaches, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that they could pick up Michael Bourn of the Atlanta Braves. Harper is currently playing left field for the Nationals and has seen some time in center.

The center field position is one of the Nationals’ biggest holes to fill as they enter the trade deadline. Because it is one of the most vulnerable and crucial areas of the field, acquiring Bourn (or another strong and experienced center fielder) should be at the top of the Nationals’ to-do list.

Don't Need

The Nationals are pretty solid in their pitching depth. With star pitchers Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez, the Nats are able to start strong. Follow them up with relievers in Sean Burnett and Tyler Clippard, and the Nats have a pretty good set-up going.

The Nationals should not be focusing on acquiring pitchers before the trade deadline. The team has the pitchers they need and plenty of options in the bullpen.

The team needs to look for hitters and center fielders when it comes time to make trades and sign players.

A stronger center field and more hitters could make the Nationals even stronger than they are now. The team is good and riding their recent wave of success. And it's been a long time coming.

The Nationals have come a long way and their efforts are paying off. It's still too soon to tell how the Nationals will perform after the All-Star break (and if they will clinch a playoff spot), but with a couple of trades and a few adjustments, Washington could be the team to beat this year.