It s no secret that the 2023 season has not been one to remember for theWashington Nationals.
The Nats have finished in last place in the NL East in each of the past three seasons.
Obviously, this means that the Nationals will more than likely be aggressive sellers at this year s trade deadline.
With the official deadline being August 1, speculation has begun over who will ultimately be traded when the deadline comes.
In the Nationals case, it appears that a particular veteran bat could be on the move.
On Twitter, Jon Morosi predicted that Jeimer Candelario could be a valuable piece that teams seek out at the deadline.
Jeimer Candelario is another #Nats veteran who will be popular in talks between now and the Aug. 1 trade deadline.
Candelario, a switch hitter, is enjoying arguably his best all-around @MLB season. His expiring contract increases the chances of a deal. @MLBNetwork June 26, 2023
Candelario is a free agent at the end of the season.
He joined the Nationals this past offseason, signing a one-year contract.
The 29-year-old is having his best offensive season to date.
So far, the veteran third baseman has hit for a .260 average while crushing 10 home runs and driving in 36.
He also has an on-base percentage of .335, is slugging .466, has an OPS of .802, and an OPS+ of 123.
Morosi notes that his expiring contract makes it more likely that he will end up with a contending ballclub.
A team like the New York Yankees could potentially be a fit, as Josh Donaldson has continued to struggle.
The New York Mets are also an interesting possibility after having traded away Eduardo Escobar.
Candelario has played most of his career with the Detroit Tigers, but began his career as a member of the Chicago Cubs and earned a World Series ring in 2016.
NEXT:
The Nationals Own A Shocking Drought Spanning Several Years