Strassburg on the trading list?

We all know by now that the Washington Nationals have signed Max Scherzer to a seven year contract. Since then there are a lot of specualtions about the odd pitcher out in the Nats’ rotation.

For long, Jordan Zimmerman was named as the most likely candidate, but since a week the name of Stephen Strassburg rears up. Why Strassburg? What would make the former #1 draft pick a candidate for a trade? Rumours say that since the Nats signed Scherzer Strassburg seems to be frustrated that he no longer is the ace of the team.

IF the Nationals decide to place Strassburg into the shopping window, what would their asking price be? You can bet that it will be rather steep. For sure they will ask for a couple of near- MLB-ready prospects.

Last week I stated that Tanner Roark would be the odd guy out, but according to several sources he will stay put. The guy had a good 2014 season with a 2.85 ERA and fifteen wins. Since the Nationals have several voids in their lineup, they will ask for a closer, a relief pitcher or a catcher.
As a coincidence the Yankees have a few nice options, but if they are willing to meet the demand of the Nats remains to be seen. Strassburg still has one year left on his contract and you can bet that he will test the market in the off season. As a GM, do want to take the risk of trading away your best prospects for a player that may be gone after the season?
If a team is in the midst of a pennant race, I can imagine that they want to take the risk, but not before the season even has started.

Besides that, if the rumours about Strassburg’s frustration of not being the ace anymore are true, who would like to have a player on the team whose ego is more important to him that the interest of the team?

Not me.