For weeks there have been rumors suggesting the Washington Nationals would trade infielder Ian Desmond. That noise only grew louder after a blockbuster deal involving Desmond fell apart. As if that wasn’t enough, the addition of Yunel Escobar appeared to hint Ian Desmond’s time with the Nationals was all but over.
However, that doesn’t appear to be the case as Ken Rosenthal reports a rival general manger looking to acquire the shortstop was rebuffed and the Nationals now have no plans to trade the infielder.
At least one team that inquired on #Nationals’ Desmond this week was told he will not be traded. However, rival execs say that…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 18, 2015
Of course, there’s a little bit of salt to take with that report considering general manager Mike Rizzo says the team will explore a trade if it’s an offer they can’t refuse.
Rizzo said recently that he would consider a deal for Desmond “that we can’t refuse,” but added it would have to be “pretty elaborate.”
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 18, 2015
That’s not exactly a vote of confidence for Ian Desmond and appears to be a suggestion that the Washington Nationals aren’t going to activly pursue a deal, but if somebody wants to make an offer they’re more than happy to listen.
