"One rival executive proclaimed the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants should be aggressive buyers," Rosenthal wrote, "saying it's 'open season' on the third NL wild card because of the San Diego Padres' uncertain hold on the position."

The Boston Red Sox have seemingly made a decision regarding the trade market for All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran ahead of the trade deadline.

This was not a playoff team in October. Or a contender in September. This was the bad-bullpen, meh-lineup Nationals playing for nothing in July.