Nats, Astros To Trade?

Jason Bourgeois could be playing centerfield for the Nats come April 5th. (Photo: statesman.com)

The quest for the next Washington Nationals centerfielder may have come to an end.

MLB.com reported yesterday that the Washington Nationals have expressed interest in acquiring Astros centerfielder Jason Bourgeois.

The Nationals have played the Astros three times this spring so General Manager Mike Rizzo has gotten a chance to see Bourgeois in action and talk to Astros management about a deal.

Bourgeois, 30, could be the answer that the Nationals are looking for at centerfield. Last season he had 34 appearances at centerfield and made 63 putouts in 63 attempts. While playing in the outfield last season, he made 116 putouts in 118 attempts with one error.

He would also be an upgrade at the leadoff position. Bourgeois is coming off of his best season in the majors, thus far. In 238 at bats, the most of his 4 year career, he batted .294 with an on base percentage of .323. At one point during the season last year, the Nationals leadoff hitters were hitting just .194 with an on base percentage of .250.

Interestingly enough, this report comes not long after Bill Ladson reported that Nats pitcher John Lannan is on the trade block. While Ladson said that Rizzo is looking for prospects, Bourgeois may be in a deal to send Lannan to the Astros in return for Bourgeois and prospects.