Nationals Weigh Buying and Selling at MLB Trade Deadline; Mets Unchanged After Soto Injury

The Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline is now just over a week away, and the rumor mill is intensifying. With only eight of 30 teams more than four games out of a playoff spot, the market is heavily tilted toward sellers. That dynamic has created a seller’s market, but several teams remain in limbo—including the Washington Nationals, who are trying to thread a needle between contending and rebuilding.

The Nationals have been one of the season’s surprise stories, entering Saturday at 52-52, just three games back of a postseason berth. The front office, led by president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, is not abandoning its long-term plan. According to The Athletic, the Nationals intend to make modest additions before the deadline, but those could be offset by what they also sell. The report names All-Star left-hander Foster Griffin and shortstop C.J. Abrams as players drawing interest from other clubs.

Griffin, 30, has been one of the best free-agent signings of the past offseason. Signed to a one-year, $5.5 million deal after a stint in Japan, he is 11-2 with a 2.68 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP and 111 strikeouts in 117 1/3 innings. Extension talks between Griffin and the Nationals “fizzled quickly,” per the New York Post, making him a prime candidate to be moved if the team decides to sell. The Nationals also need pitching help, both in the rotation and in a leaky bullpen.

The balancing act represents a key test for Toboni, who took over the front office last winter. The team’s core of young players like Abrams, CJ Alexander, and James Wood provides a strong foundation, but the immediate playoff chase adds pressure to make win-now moves.

Key facts
| Development | Detail |
|————-|——–|
| Trade deadline | Aug. 3, 2026 |
| Nationals record | 52-52, 3 games out of playoff spot |
| Foster Griffin stats | 11-2, 2.68 ERA, 111 K in 117 1/3 IP |
| Extension talks | Fizzled between Griffin and Nationals |
| Juan Soto injury | Calf strain, IL, out at least 3 weeks |

Mets remain sellers after Soto’s injury

Juan Soto has been placed on the injured list with a calf strain that is “more significant” than his previous calf issue earlier this season, according to Fox Sports. The Mets expect him to be sidelined for at least three weeks. The injury does not alter the Mets’ stance as one of the few clear sellers in the market. Soto was not expected to be traded, given his contract and the team’s direction.

Instead, the Mets are expected to field offers for relievers Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, A.J. Minter and Luke Weaver. A Francisco Lindor trade remains possible but unlikely, given his massive contract and the team’s desire to keep its face of the franchise. The Mets’ willingness to sell could help them restock a farm system that has thinned in recent years.

Athletics take a flier on Dallas Keuchel

The Athletics have signed left-handed starter Dallas Keuchel to a minor-league deal, according to ESPN. Keuchel, 38, last pitched in the majors in 2024 with the Brewers, posting a 5.40 ERA in four starts. He spent 2025 in Triple-A with the Royals organization, going 2-1 with a 3.53 ERA in seven starts. He has not pitched in affiliated ball this season.

The move is a low-risk depth addition for an Athletics team that is rebuilding and looking for innings. Keuchel, a former Cy Young winner, has not replicated his peak form but could provide experience in the rotation or bullpen.

Why this matters for NationalSportsWeb readers

The Nationals’ dual approach is the most intriguing storyline of the next week. Fans and analysts will be watching whether the front office adds a controllable arm or two while also moving a short-term asset like Griffin. The outcome will shape the Nationals’ trajectory for the rest of the season and beyond. Meanwhile, the Mets’ sale of pitching depth could impact the NL East race, as several contenders may look to bolster their bullpens.

The trade deadline market remains fluid, and the final week before Aug. 3 will bring clarity. For now, the Nationals are a team to watch—both for what they acquire and what they might let go.

Source: CBS Sports Top Headlines – MLB rumors: Nationals could buy and sell at trade deadline; does Juan Soto’s injury change plans for Mets? (https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-rumors-trade-deadline-nationals-athletics/)

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