:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55000913/usa_today_10080094.0.jpg)
The Nationals are one of the teams with interest in Padres lefty Brad Hand, according to Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune. San Diego is known to be shopping Hand and could move him early on the trade market.
Washington recently shifted to Koda Glover at closer, but is known to be considering an upgrade and has been linked to many available relief names. FanRag’s Jon Heyman recently noted that the Nats have internally discussed Kelvin Herrera (Royals), Alex Colome (Rays), Mark Melancon (Giants), A.J. Ramos (Marlins) and Roberto Osuna (Blue Jays in addition to Hand and White Sox closer David Robertson, who the Nats pursued heavily over the winter.
Hand, 27, is in the midst of a career year for the Padres, posting a 1.93 ERA and 11.6 K/9 in 28 innings so far. He was recently given a chance to close for the Padres, and has saved two games.
Hand could be an early mover on the trade market, as Padres general manager A.J. Preller may look to make a quick strike before things heat up in July. Every Padre not named Wil Myers is reportedly available in advance of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.