Washington Nationals Rumors: Nats Talking Deal For Chris Sale
It is being reported, first by Ken Rosenthal, that the Washington Nationals are in talks with the White Sox about pitcher Chris Sale
The Washington Nationals have been linked in many trade rumors to Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale. Tonight, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and MLB Network tweeted that there is a strong chance that the Nats and White Sox will be able to work out a deal that would involve top outfield prospect Victor Robles and top pitching prospect Lucas Giolito:
Sources: Legitimate chance of Sale trade to #Nationals. Robles, Giolito would go to #WhiteSox. Teams haggling over final pieces in deal.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 6, 2016
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Amidst all the possible excitement for a possible Sale trade to D.C., Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that nothing is expected to be completed by the end of the night and the White Sox aren’t just talking to the Nats:
The #WhiteSox say they’re still having trade talks with several teams about Chris Sale, and no deal with #Nats or anyone expected tonight.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 6, 2016
The deal isn’t done yet, but as Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweeted, there is an executive who believes there is a great chance that the deal will happen:
An exec from another team that has pursued Sale believes it is 80/20 that deal gets done that sends LH ace to #Nationals
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 6, 2016
Over the last four seasons, Sale has finished in the top five in the American League Cy Young voting. The 27-year-old left-hander went 17-10 this past season and had a 3.34 ERA. Also, the five-time All-Star had a league leading six complete games and was second in the American League in strikeouts (233).
Yes, a package for Chris Sale would mean giving up a lot of the farm system, but he is another elite piece and would bolster a rotation that is already the strength of the organization. Considering how the day began with the Washington Nationals losing out on the Mark Melancon sweepstakes to the Giants, this would be a strong way to end the day.
Keep it right here on District On Deck for more on the Chris Sale story as it develops.