Heading into the 2026 season, the Washington Nationals looked like surefire sellers. That changed over the course of the year, as the Nationals -- powered by their league-best offense -- kept themselves in the playoff hunt heading into the trade deadline. Traded Curtis Mead to Boston Red SoxWashington Nationals third baseman Curtis Mead | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe Nationals got things started early when they traded Curtis Mead to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for left-handed pitcher Connelly Early back on July 25. Traded Christian Franklin to Baltimore OriolesWashington Nationals outfielder Christian Franklin | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectTechnically, on a timeline basis, this was the Nationals' third move ahead of the trade deadline and their first on deadline day. This was also the second time in as many years that Christian Franklin was involved in a trade deadline day with Washington.