After the Washington Nationals acquired Yunel Escobar from the Oakland A’s earlier this week, there were a few suggestions hinting that Escobar could be moved to second base allowing Ian Desmond to remain at shortstop.
Of course that sounded more like wishful thinking or a spin job as according to Jayson Stark of ESPN, the Nationals are still doing what they can to trade Ian Desmond.
Exec who has spoken w/ #Nationals isn’t buying spin they dealt for Yunel Escobar to play 2B. Says they’re still trying to move Ian Desmond
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) January 15, 2015
Desmond has already had his name linked in multiple rumors and was said to be part of a three-team blockbuster trade that did not go through, so it appears as if the Washington Nationals are ready to move on from the infielder.
Of course, they aren’t likely to just give Desmond away though the acquisition of Escobar does seem to suggest he might be changing zip codes in the coming months.
For now it’s believed that Danny Espinosa will start the season on the bench assuming Ian Desmond isn’t moved before Opening Day, though much can happen in the coming weeks.
The hot stove doesn’t appear to be dwindling down for the Nationals in the least bit.
Earlier in the offseason, the New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, New York Mets and Seattle Mariners all made runs at Desmond.
