The Nationals already were crossed off in many eyes, but their moves Tuesday indicate the organization has accepted reality.
They traded Daniel Murphy to the Cubs and Matt Adams to the Cardinals after both were claimed on waivers, the only means of trading this time of year. Bryce Harper was reportedly claimed by the Dodgers, but the Nationals revoked him off waivers and kept their superstar who’s ticketed for free agency this winter.
Tuesday’s events signify the Nationals don’t see themselves catching the Braves and Phillies in the National League East. Washington trailed the Braves by 7-1/2 games entering the day.
The Nationals were 6-1/2 games out of a wild-card spot, but the deck was stacked against them in a loaded NL. They were behind six teams in the wild-card race, excluding the Braves, who lead the East by a game.
Washington won the past two division titles, but has been unable to win a postseason series in its history. They entered 2018 a heavy favorite to win the East again, but their current 62-63 record makes them the sport’s biggest disappointment.
There was thought that Murphy or Adams could fit the Braves’ needs, the latter as a needed bench bat. The team will continue exploring the wire over the next 10 days.
“(General manager) Alex (Anthopoulos) is on top of everybody who’s out there,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He’ll call me a couple times a day with updates on what’s going on. ... He keeps everybody in the loop on what’s going on.”
