CONTRACTS AND CONCLUSIONS
If needed, the Nationals have a little payroll flexibility.
Currently, they are at $144.6 million with Strasburg now signed long term. Next year’s number sits at $98 million with Harper hitting arbitration and Papelbon’s $11 million gone.
If they can move Papelbon now for another closer, that is the best move they can make.
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Although the team needs to bolster the closer and bullpen, do not expect top prospects such as Trea Turner or Lucas Giolito to go anywhere but Washington. There is no reason to mortgage the future here to win now.
In the end, the Nationals go into the pennant chase as the best team on paper in the NL East. Much like the Cubs, they play well as a whole team. There is not a squad who could not use a bullpen arm or two or another bat.
If they stood pat and keep Papelbon, the chances of making the playoff remain excellent.
Yet, 2016 is not about just getting there. Washington will assume in order to win the pennant they have to beat the Cubs. Finding a better closer is essential to finish the job.
Next: Mets Trade Deadline Preview
With a core of younger players, fans hope the this is the beginning of a three-five season window. Still, you never know when the next chance will be. Washington needs to treat this one like there is no tomorrow.