Washington Nationals Trade Rumors: Tracking Hot Updates, News and Reaction

The Washington Nationals entered the 2015 season as World Series favorites, and although they haven't been quite as good as expected, they are doing what they need to do to get to October.

If they get there, the other playoff teams better watch out.

There's really not much the Nationals can do to improve their roster. They are loaded at just about every spot. They have a star-studded rotation, a strong bullpen and a good offense. If they could just stay healthy, that would be better than any trade they could make.

Check in throughout July to see what rumors the Nationals are involved in and what deals they make before the trade deadline passes.

All stats via MLB.com.

Done Deals

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

July 28: Acquired RHP Jonathan Papelbon from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for RHP Nick Pivetta

July 28: Acquire Phillies Closer Jonathan Papelbon

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

The Washington Nationals have acquired Jonathan Papelbon from the Washington Nationals in exchange for right-hander Nick Pivetta.

There's no doubt that Papelbon is as good as ever. He has posted a 1.59 ERA and a 0.983 WHIP in 37 games. Although he only has 17 saves, it's important to look at the team he is playing on. He took advantage of the few save chances he has gotten, as he has yet to blow a save.

The right-hander's strong performance helped him make his sixth All-Star team.

For Washington, this gives the club a great one-two punch at the back of the bullpen. Papelbon was only going to agree to the trade if he was going to be the team's closer, which means Drew Storen gets bumped to setup man. That creates quite a duo in the eighth and ninth inning.

Papelbon is making $13 million this season. As part of the trade, Washington has guaranteed Papelbon $11 million for 2016, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal. 

The Nationals didn't have many holes on their roster. By acquiring Papelbon, they added a reliable arm to the back of the bullpen that gives the team an All-Star closer with postseason experience. Now, with Storen and Papelbon pitching the final two innings, teams better not be trailing after the seventh inning. If they are, good luck.

Potential Trade Target: RHP Craig Kimbrel

Matt York/Associated Press

The Nationals are among the teams interested in San Diego Padres closer Craig Kimbrel, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

San Diego acquired the closer with the hopes that he'd be closing out games in October, but the season hasn't gone the way the Padres had hoped.

Kimbrel hasn't quite been his dominant self this season. He has a 2.75 ERA and a 1.119 WHIP in 41 games in 2015. In 39.1 innings, he has 55 strikeouts and 15 walks. Although those numbers aren't bad, they aren't typical Kimbrel numbers.

Despite playing at Petco Park, the right-hander's home runs per nine innings (0.7), hits per nine (6.6) and strikeouts per nine (12.6) are each the worst of his career. The 27-year-old still has just one blown save in 30 chances, so he's still very effective.

Being on a new team took some time to get used to for the closer. His monthly ERA has gone down as the season has progressed—it went down to 0.90 in June and 0.87 in July.

Kimbrel is making $9 million this season, $11 million next season and $13 million in 2017. His contract also includes a $13 million team option for the 2018 season with a $1 million buyout.

Potential Trade Target: LHP Aroldis Chapman

John Minchillo/Associated Press

Washington has been linked to Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, Cincinnati is asking for "three higher-level prospects" in exchange for the hard-throwing southpaw.

Chapman made his fourth consecutive All-Star team this year. Through his first 42 outings, he has posted a 1.73 ERA and a 1.248 WHIP. While his 16 strikeouts per nine innings is the second-best rate of his career, his walks per nine (5.0) is also the second-highest of his six-year career.

The 27-year-old reliever is making more than $8 million this season and will likely make eight figures next season through the arbitration process. 

Nationals Are Interested in Diamondbacks Infielders

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Washington has expressed interest in some Arizona Diamondbacks infielders, according to Fox Sports' Jon Morosi.

Middle infield is one position the Diamondbacks have some depth at, as they have Aaron Hill, Chris Owings, Cliff Pennington and Nick Ahmed. Considering Ian Desmond's struggles (both offensively and defensively), the Nationals may search the market for other options.

While it's not known how much interest Washington has in each of the infielders, it is important to note that Hill is making $12 million this season and is owed $12 million in 2016.