Not long after Amanda Comak of the Washington Times reported that the Nationals may have interest in Twins center fielder Denard Span, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Twins and Nationals have in fact had discussions about sending Span to Washington.
Span, 27, has been one of the better center fielders in baseball over the past few years, and with a reasonable long-term contract, he's the kind of asset that could likely bring Minnesota some major pieces. An above-average defender in center that runs well and gets on base, Span profiles quite well in the lead-off spot and could be an impact addition for the Nationals. Ben Revere, who's struggled so far with Minnesota, would likely be Span's replacement in center. He's a plus defender who profiles as a Span-like hitter in time, but with more speed, possibly more contact and likely less power (so not totally like Span, whatever).
Minnesota would likely be able to command a significant return, and while that likely wouldn't mean Bryce Harper, they could command one or two of Washington's second-tier prospects, such as pitchers A.J. Cole and Brad Peacock, as well as catcher Derek Norris. Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond is another possibility, as the club has reportedly been shopping the 25-year-old.