Diamondbacks trade rumors: Nationals interested in middle infielders

The Nationals have expressed interest in the Diamondbacks' surplus of middle infielders, according to a report from Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com. While Morosi does not list specifically who the Nats are interested in, he mentions Chris Owings, Aaron Hill, Cliff Pennington and Nick Ahmed as potential targets.

Arizona's infield depth was strengthened with their weekend acquisition of Phil Gosselin, giving them a fifth option in addition to Owings, Hill, Pennington and Ahmed for the middle infield. The team has shown a willingness to be aggressive on the trade market with two significant deals already this season, and may look to shed more salary by attempting to deal Hill before the trade deadline.

All four infielders have struggled so far this season, though the D-Backs may be inclined to keep Owings and Ahmed due to their youth and inexpensiveness. Dealing Hill, who is earning $24 million in guaranteed money over the next two seasons, would likely require the D-Backs to eat a significant amount of his salary.

The Nationals have limited depth behind Ian Desmond and Anthony Rendon in the middle infield due to Danny Espinosa playing first base and Yunel Escobar taking third in the absence of Ryan Zimmerman. The team has been aggressive in early season trade talks, being linked to late-relief arms such as Aroldis Chapman.