Three trade chips for Washington Nationals

 The Washington Nationals can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The franchise has been rebuilding since the trades of Juan Soto, Max Scherzer and Trea Turner. Former top prospects such as CJ Abrams, Luis Garcia Jr. and Mackenzie Gore are coming into their own. Mitchell Parker and Jacob Young have surprised, while top prospects such as James Wood, Dylan Crews and Brady House are on the cusp of reaching the majors. The future is bright in Washington.

But the future is not yet here. The Nationals find themselves 16.5 games out of first in the NL East but only three games out of a wild-card spot. Still, they're ready to sell. Let's look at three players that could be on the move at the trade deadline.

Starting pitcher Trevor Williams

The two-year, $13 million contract Trevor Williams signed with the Nationals appeared to be a disaster for Washington. He had posted a 5.55 ERA and a 1.600 WHiP over 144.1 innings, striking out 111 batters with 53 walks while surrendering a National League-worst 34 homers in 2023. Expectations for this year were low.

But Williams has begun putting together a career year. He posted a 2.22 ERA and a 1.076 WHiP in his 56.2 innings this season, striking out 47 batters with 16 walks. However, Williams landed on the injured list on June 4 with a strained flexor muscle in his right forearm. Mark Zuckerman from MASNsports reported that Williams will be shut down from throwing for two weeks. He could be on the move if he can return before the trade deadline and perform as he did previously.

Outfielder Jesse Winker

The Nationals signed several reclamation projects this offseason. Former top prospect and 2021 All-Star Jesse Winker was one of those players the Nationals took a chance on.

He has rewarded their faith. Winker has produced a .255/.366/.395 batting line with six homers, 10 doubles and 11 stolen bases. He can play either corner outfield spot, providing flexibility for interested teams. He is also on a one-year deal for just $2 million, making him affordable for any contender. Winker could fetch a better return than expected.

Relief pitcher Dylan Floro

Versatile relief pitchers with playoff experience are always valuable on the trade market. The Nationals have one such reliever in Dylan Floro.

Floro has put together a solid showing as one of the Nationals' set-up men, posting a 1.19 ERA and a 1.055 WHiP over 30.1 innings, striking out 23 batters with nine walks. Although he has experience as a closer, notching 32 saves in his two-and-a-half years in Miami, he would likely continue as a seventh-inning option or middle reliever. Floro may not net an impressive return, but he is the type of reliever teams look for at the deadline.