The Washington Nationals are willing to listen to trade offers for center fielder Denard Span just one year after acquiring him from the Minnesota Twins, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
In his one year with the Nationals, Span hit .279/.327/.380 with 20 stolen bases and excellent defense in center field. To bring him to Washington, the Nats gave up minor league pitcher Alex Meyer. Meyer was rated the No. 59 prospect nationwide by Baseball America prior to 2013.
The fact that the team is even considering trading Span lends credence to rumors that Washington is eyeing Jacoby Ellsbury in free agency. If the Nationals are truly looking for an upgrade in the outfield, they could also eye other free agents such as Shin-Soo Choo.
Span, 29, is under contract for one more season but also has a team option worth $9 million for 2015. Were he to be traded, the Nationals could also move Bryce Harper to center field and sign a corner outfielder, though Washington appears to prefer Harper remain in left field.
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