In a statement that oozes more deja vu than groundhog seeing his shadow, Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo has expressed contentment with the team’s direction amidst yet another season of strategic player shopping. As reported by ESPN on Friday, Rizzo praised the rebuilding process that's been in the works since shortly after the Nats clinched the 2019 World Series. Even though it’s the fourth year in row they’re open to trade talks, Rizzo seems unphased by the routine.
The Nationals, a team that's no stranger to shaking up their squad, is willing to entertain offers for outfielder Lane Thomas and All-Star reliever Kyle Finnegan. The twist, if you could call it one, is that both players could conceivably remain in D.C. until 2025, barring a trade. "There are a lot of teams that would really benefit from getting Lane Thomas," Rizzo told AP News. His apparent marketability lies in his strong arm, versatility against pitchers, and his hitting power.
Subtly setting the stage for a potential transaction, Rizzo also stated, “We're going to do a deal that we're comfortable with. And if we don't, we won't do a deal." This poker-faced strategy reflects the Nationals' approach to maintain leverage during trade talks. They're not in a rush to unload Thomas or Finnegan unless the price is right, according to Rizzo’s comments to GoSkagit.
So the Nationals' rebuild chugs along, surveying the landscape of offers with a discerning eye and making clear that they're not just a dumping ground for talent. Players like Thomas and Finnegan become chips in a high-stakes game of Major League chess, with Rizzo acting as both the king and the chess master. It's a game where only the deals that fit the Nationals' strategy will prompt a "checkmate" on Rizzo's end.
