Sports Illustrated misspelled the word “puzzling” in its breakdown of the trade. While Liñan may have been a Top 30 prospect, that status is primarily because the Nats have so few true pitching prospects. Conversely, the Nats have plenty of light-hitting infielders, including 2023 Rule 5 pick Nasim Nuñez and 2024 trade pickup José Tena. Vivas and Tena are both out of options, while it appears that Nuñez still has one remaining.
Meanwhile, McGarry is available to 28 clubs but his Rule 5 requirement (must remain on the 40-man roster all season long) remains intact, which should further depress his value. If (when) he goes unclaimed, the Nats must offer him back to the Phillies for $50K. While it’s possible Washington and Philadelphia could work out a trade, that seems highly unlikely.