The Nationals made the first of what should be multiple trades over the next two days, sending utility man Ehire Adrianza to the Braves for minor league outfielder Trey Harris.
Adrianza was hardly the highest-profile player the Nats have made available leading into Tuesday night's trade deadline, but the 32-year-old did have some value for his ability to play a host of positions well. And the fact he had been getting more regular starts since the All-Star break, most often at third base, suggested the club was trying to showcase him for any interested clubs.
The Braves wound up acquiring him, bringing Adrianza back one year after he was a member of their bench during their World Series run. He was batting only .179 with two doubles, seven RBIs and one stolen base in 31 games this season, his debut significantly delayed by a quadriceps strain suffered during the final week of spring training.
Harris isn't regarded as a top prospect, but the 26-year-old was the winner of Atlanta's 2019 Hank Aaron Award, presented annually to the organization's top minor league offensive player. A right-handed batter, he was hitting .238 with eight doubles, one triple, two homers, 16 RBIs and four stolen bases in 59 games for Double-A Mississippi this season.
Harris originally was the Braves' 32nd-round draft pick in 2018 out of the University of Missouri.
