Washington Nationals need Zach Britton to win World Series

The Washington Nationals have worked too hard and suffered too much to fall short of another World Series. They look primed for a title run this year, but they need Zach Britton as the finishing touch.

The playoff scene is beginning to take shape. Aside from a few tight division races, the NL West, NL East, and AL West appear to be decided. Barring any epic collapse, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Nationals, and Houston Astros will conquer their divisions. Therefore, the remaining couple of months are dependent on staying on par and critiquing each roster in preparation for a World Series appearance.

The Dodgers and Astros are declared buyers. Neither team has made a noteworthy move thus far, however, neither has kept their shopping list quiet. Houston has a particular need for starting pitching. A late move for one of the top starting pitchers on the market seems inevitable. Los Angeles does not have any apparent weakness, yet, it seems they are prepared to make a splash prior to the trade deadline. Yu Darvish and Zach Britton are the recent names hovering the Dodgers’ camp.

Speaking of Zach Britton, the Washington Nationals sure could use him. The Nationals’ bullpen ranks 4th in the National League in blown saves and 3rd in home runs allowed. They have proven to be the most hittable relief crew in the NL, posting an opponent’s batting average of .277. As evidence indicates, Washington needs bullpen help.

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Last week’s deal with the Oakland Athletics brought relievers Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson to the Nationals. A beneficial deal for sure, however, is it enough to guarantee a World Series caliber relief staff? Most likely not. Doolittle has been the team’s closer of choice since joining the team. He’s recorded two saves with Washington, but an inconsistent past as a closer leaves some trust to be determined for his new team.

Zach Britton will provide the certainty a World Series contender needs. Britton has missed significant time this season due to injury. He’s struggled to get back to form since returning a couple of weeks ago, but that won’t shy any suitors away from making a deal.

Britton has arguably been the most dominant and consistent closer in MLB over the past three seasons. Last season in  particular, Britton led the American League in saves with 47, and ERA, with a microscopic 0.54. He relies heavily on one pitch, his high 90s sinker-ball. Britton’s sinker is one of the most unhittable pitches in today’s game.

At the end of the day, the Washington Nationals must ensure they are competitive in each segment of the game in accordance with their potential playoff counterparts. The best team isn’t always the team that hoists the trophy, however, the championship chances definitely increase when a team is thought to be the best.

As the league currently stands, it seems the Nationals are the second best team in the National League. Their offense and starting pitching stacks up with the Dodgers. In fact, they may even be superior in each category. The difference between the two teams is bullpen productivity. Simply put, the Dodgers have one of the best bullpens in MLB, and the Nationals have one of the worst. The difference is far too extreme.

The additions of Doolittle and Madson are a step in the right direction, but an acquisition for Zach Britton would be the cherry on top. Doolittle does not compare to Kenley Jansen, Greg Holland, or Wade Davis. Britton, however, is every bit as good, if not better.

Next: Yankees interested in Yu Darvish

The Washington Nationals have been very successful in recent seasons, but they must be tired of falling short of the World Series. The last thing they want is for the Los Angeles Dodgers to end their season in back-to-back years. Other teams could certainly intervene, though, as of now, it seems those teams are in line for another clash. Washington has worked too hard to put together a championship team. If they want to win a championship, they must make one more move. They must bring Zach Britton to Washington.