Breaking: Nationals Trade Nyjer Morgan

The report is the Nationals have traded Nyjer Morgan to the Milwaukee Brewers for INF Cutter Dykstra (High-A) and cash (not all reports mention the cash).

While some may balk at the Nationals not getting more for Morgan, they need to remember just how much Morgan’s value plummeted last season. Not only was Morgan awful at the plate and in the field, but his antics and tantrums really limited his once promising stock. They Nationals had moved on with Rick Ankiel and Roger Bernadina for this season, and have also moved uber-prospect Bryce Harper to center field for the future. Morgan seemed like trade bait either now or by the deadline, but the Nationals must have felt that there was enough risk of him struggling again to make the trade right now.

Cutter Dykstra won’t make any National’s top prospect lists, but the former 54th overall pick began to show some promise last season. Dykstra is the son of former Major Leaguer Lenny Dykstra, and was considered a top prospect heading into the 2008 draft. While he struggled as a rookie and in 2009, he really picked up his game last season as he moved into the infield. He played 3B most of last year, but also saw some time at 2B. Dykstra never has shown much power, but he does have good speed to go along with a decent hitting ability. He’s just 21 years of age, and shows enough promise to be at least a utility/bench guy.

The Nationals didn’t get any ‘amazing’ value here, that will lead this team to the World Series, but they didn’t walk away empty handed. Getting any value for a player who at times last season had a major negative impact in the locker room is a win in my book. The Brewers helped fill the CF hole, but will need to hope that Morgan has matured greatly in the offseason.