There’ve been reports throughout Tuesday that the Washington Nationals were getting close to acquiring Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies, and it appears they’ve sealed the deal.
According to FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi, the deal has been agreed to. The Washington Post’s Barry Svulga previously reported the sides were nearing a deal.
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Papelbon gives the Nationals another option to work the ninth inning, and has reportedly agreed to restructure the 2016 portion of his contract to become Washington’s new closer. Drew Storen will presumably shift into an eighth inning role, giving Matt Williams Casey Jannsen, Matt Thornton and others to use situationally. Storen has also been held from working more than three outs at a time this season, so the move will likely give Williams more flexibility in how to use his now-former closer.
The Nationals take a page from the Royals’ playbook here, bolstering their bullpen despite already having a more-than-viable option in Storen to close out games. With Papelbon now in the fold, one would have to think Storen will be less than pleased with his new role, though that’ll be something for Washington to deal with in the offseason. In the meantime, they counter a move the Mets made on Monday to acquire former Nat Tyler Clippard by going out and getting a top reliever of their own, and Washington builds on what was already a fairly strong bullpen.
Per MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, the Phillies will receive pitcher Nick Pivetta in return for Papelbon. The 22-year-old has had poor numbers in three AA starts this season, but has been much better at High A, where he’s gone 7-4 with a 2.29 ERA and perhaps more impressive 1.15 WHIP.
With several key players coming off injuries, the Nationals will likely look to add positional depth for the stretch run, but the Papelbon trade likely marks the only big deal they’ll make before Friday. Washington had also reportedly been interested in Ben Zobrist, but he’s since been traded to Kansas City.