Cubs Rumors: Nationals shaping up as one-stop shop for trade help

With growing speculation that the Chicago Cubs could be looking for a trade partner that could serve as one-stop shopping, the Washington Nationals could be a team that the Cubs match up well with on a trade ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Among the items in his latest notebook for USA Today, Bob Nightengale mentions that the Nationals are preparing to move several players ahead of the deadline.

"The Washington Nationals are letting teams know that Kyle Finnegan, Josh Bell, Amed Rosario, Mike Soroka and Nathaniel Lowe all are available."

With the Cubs having a need for a starting pitcher, third baseman, and another arm in the bullpen, a deal with the Nationals could check all of those boxes for the Cubs.

Beginning with Kyle Finnegan, the Cubs were circling with interest this past offseason before he returned to the Nationals. Finnegan has had some bad luck this year, sitting with an ERA of 4.25 with a FIP of 3.73, and an expected ERA of 3.69. Each of those would be in line with his career ERA of 3.64. There's been a slight dip in his ability to miss bats this season; however, pitching in front of the Cubs' defense for the final two months of the season wouldn't make that much of a concern.

Nationals might be surprise source of deadline reinforcements

Like Finnegan, Nationals' starting pitcher Mike Soroka has also had some bad luck this season, and the check the box of a starting pitching target the Cubs believe can get a boost from their defense and pitching infrastructure.

As the Cubs look for options to either replace or provide insurance for Matt Shaw, who homered on Saturday, at third base, Amed Rosario would be a similar target to that of Willi Castro of the Minnesota Twins. Beyond playing third base, Rosario can play second base and shortstop, while also sprinkling in some outfield play. Rosario's 108 wRC+ would be a welcome addition to the Cubs' bench.

Creativity may define what the Cubs do at the deadline, and that is because of the limited number of definitive sellers there may be. An all-in trade, where they check several items of their shopping list at once, may be what the Cubs are striving for between now and July 31.

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