Washington Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn could be dealt to the White Sox if Chicago is willing to sweeten the pot and add a second substantial minor league player in return, according to a major league source.
Any deal for Dunn would have to include Daniel Hudson, the White Sox's top pitching prospect. The Nationals also want one of three White Sox prospects: catcher Tyler Flowers, outfielder Jordan Danks or injured infielder Brent Morel.
The White Sox turned down a Washington request for a Dunn-for-Gordon Beckham deal straight up, according to the source.
Another source told ESPNChicago.com that Washington has six teams bidding for Dunn, including the White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers. There are also two unidentified National League teams in the mix.
Washington wants young pitching back that they can project for their starting rotation. If the Nationals can't find a trading partner they could hold on to Dunn and receive two draft picks in the 2011 June draft if they offer Dunn arbitration, he files for free agency and he signs elsewhere.
The Nationals followed that plan in 2006 when they decided to hold on to Alfonso Soriano instead of trading him at the July 31 deadline. Soriano signed with the Chicago Cubs in the offseason.
Bruce Levine covers baseball for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN 1000.