The A's and Nationals are in serious discussions about a trade that would send Josh Willingham to Oakland, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The Nationals would receive two minor leaguers from the A's, according to Rosenthal
The Red Sox, Tigers and Mariners also checked in on Willingham during the Winter Meetings, but Rosenthal said at the time that the Nationals' asking price was absurd. However, it seemed earlier in the month that the Nationals were likely to move the left fielder.
Willingham earned $4.6MM in 2010 and will go to arbitration one last time this winter before hitting free agency after the 2011 season. The 31-year-old batted .268/.389/.459 in 450 plate appearances last year before he went on the disabled list and underwent left knee surgery.
Rosenthal suggests that the Nationals could potentially use the money they save to acquire a starting pitcher, sign a first baseman or sign a closer.
