Nationals Trade Offfield Depth for Young Pitching in Final Deadline Move
The Washington Nationals made their final trade move of the deadline by sending everyday centerfielder Alex Call to the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the sixth player dealt in a flurry of transactions. While MacKenzie Gore, a highly sought-after name, stayed put, the Nationals made a strategic decision to bolster their pitching depth for the future. 
Despite being 30 years old, Call attracted considerable interest this season, putting up a solid .274/.371/.386 slash line with three home runs, 26 RBIs, and a 119 OPS+ before the trade. His standout qualities include excellent centerfield defense and a low strikeout rate. In his first full season in 2023, Call posted eight outs above average (94th percentile) and a chase rate of just 19.8% (91st percentile), per Baseball Savant. Though his defense has dipped in 2025 (one OAA), his chase rate has improved to the 97th percentile at 18.5%.
In exchange for Call, the Nationals received two right-handed pitching prospects: Eriq Swan and Sean Paul Linan. Swan, 23, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 draft and has spent most of 2025 in High-A, where he has a 4.43 ERA and 10 K/9 in 69 innings. Swan, who has potential for three above-average pitches, ranks as the 11th-best prospect in the Nationals’ system and could rise quickly through the minor leagues.
Linan, 20, has been impressive across three levels, posting a 2.78 ERA and 12.2 K/9 in 74.1 innings. While his fastball and slider are considered below average, his changeup has the potential to be a plus pitch, which could make him a future reliever.
With Call gone, the Nationals will turn to their outfield depth, likely relying on Jacob Young to step in at center. Additionally, Robert Hassell III has been called up to join the roster. Given the strong outfield depth, Washington could afford to part with Call in exchange for young pitching talent.
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