Ian Desmond Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation Surrounding Nationals SS

Coming off another great year, Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond is apparently being discussed in trade talks during the winter meetings.         

Jim Bowden of ESPN.com provides the latest on the Desmond discussions:

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports also points out earlier reported negotions:

Desmond, 29, has been a solid player for the Nationals since 2009 and a constant in the middle infield. He finished last season with a .255/.313/.430 slash line, recording 24 home runs and a career-high 91 RBI in 154 games played.

Season	Games	Hits	HR	RBI	SB	Avg.
2012	130	150	25	73	21	.292
2013	158	168	20	80	21	.280
2014	154	151	24	91	24	.255

After winning his third consecutive Silver Slugger award in 2014, Desmond made his intentions about his future very clear.

"Do I want to be a National [beyond 2015]? Yes. Do I think, at this particular moment, I will be? I don't know," Desmond said, via Bill Ladson of MLB.com. "I cannot give you an answer on that. We'll see. I know 2015 is coming fast. I'm excited to get back out there. I think we have a lot to prove. We have a hungry bunch coming in 2015."

An All-Star in 2012, Desmond would bring instant credibility to nearly any team. If he were to join the Seattle Mariners, he'd bring his 3.8 WAR from 2014 (h/t Baseball-Reference.com) and his power bat alongside Nelson Cruz, Kyle Seager and Robinson Cano.

Regardless of where he winds up, Desmond will come at a cost. His value is at an all-time high after three standout seasons, hitting at least 20 home runs each of those years. Washington will likely be looking to get a great crop of young talent in return.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.