- The Washington Times - Monday, August 1, 2022

The Washington Nationals finally made a trade, but it didn’t involve Juan Soto or Josh Bell.

Instead, the Nationals traded utility man Ehire Adrianza to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for minor-league outfielder Trey Harris, the team announced Monday.

Harris, 26, is the Braves’ 29th best prospect, according to MLB.com. In 59 games with Double-A Mississippi this season, Harris is hitting .238 with two home runs, 16 RBIs and four stolen bases. 

Harris was drafted in the 32nd round of the 2018 MLB draft out of the University of Missouri. He won the 2019 Hank Aaron Award as Atlanta’s top minor league hitter after slashing .323/.389/.498 between Single-A and Double-A. But he’s struggled in Mississippi the past two seasons with a sub.700 on-base plus slugging percentage. 

For Adrianza, the trade to Atlanta is a reunion. The 32-year-old was a member of the World Series champion Braves last season, hitting .247 with five homers and 28 RBIs. 

In March, the Nationals signed Adrianza to a one-year, $1.5 million contract to bolster the team’s depth. He spent the first few months of the season on the injured list with a quad injury, and he’s struggled at the plate since returning. In 94 plate appearances this summer, Adrianza is hitting .179 with two doubles and seven RBIs. 

The minor trade is expected to be the first of many ahead of Tuesday’s 6 p.m. deadline.

Soto remains the best player on the trading block. Also for the Nationals, Bell, designated hitter Nelson Cruz, second baseman Cesar Hernandez, reliever Steve Cishek and any other player on an expiring contract are also expected to be available. 

• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.

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