Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo expressed satisfaction with the progress of rebuilding the team, initiated less than two years after their 2019 World Series victory, despite their status as sellers at the trade deadline for the fourth consecutive season.
Rizzo, known for reshaping the Nationals through trades, confirmed that the team is open to offers for outfielder Lane Thomas and All-Star reliever Kyle Finnegan, both of whom are contracted with the team until 2025.
“There are many teams that could benefit from Lane Thomas,” Rizzo commented. “He’s exceptional defensively in right field, has a strong arm, and is effective against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers.”
“We’ll only proceed with a trade if it meets our criteria. If not, we’ll hold off,” Rizzo added.
Thomas, 28, hit 28 home runs for the Nationals last season but has seen a decline in power this year with eight home runs in 273 at-bats. He joined the team in a trade deadline deal in 2021, acquired from St. Louis in exchange for Jon Lester.
Meanwhile, Finnegan, 32, boasts a 2.43 ERA and secured his 26th save of the season in Friday night’s 8-5 victory over Cincinnati. He was a late addition to the NL All-Star team, with Rizzo informing him of the news via phone call, which Finnegan initially missed.
“I can only imagine what was going through his mind when he received that call,” Rizzo reflected. “During this time of year, players are understandably uncertain when my name pops up on their phones.”
