Washington Nationals rumors: Wade Davis, the missing link

The Washington Nationals are in dire need of some bullpen reinforcements. Are the rumors true? Have they found their savior in Wade Davis?

The Washington Nationals have been the most consistent team in the National League over the past few seasons. Somehow, they are still without a World Series appearance or even an NLCS appearance.

One reason for their dreams coming up short is their lack of backend, bullpen pitching, their true Achilles heel.

Their savior or “chosen one” could be closer Wade Davis. With his postseason success with the Royals — including a World Series title and another appearance — the seasoned veteran could be that very intricate piece of the puzzle that has been missing on their roster.

Wade Davis was one of nine MLB players who declined his $17.44 million qualifying offer, making him fair game to any pursuer.

I believe 2018 is a do or die season for the Washington Nations, where they have to go all in. Go big or go home. Bryce Harper is likely to walk, with the Chicago Cubs as the front-runners to snag him during next year’s free agency period.

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If you need a reminder of why the Washington Nationals need that lockdown hammer for a closer, here you go.

The Chicago Cubs knocked out the Washington Nationals in the Divisional round, a common trend for them since 2012.

2012: 98-64. NL East Champions. Lost in the Divisional round to the St. Louis Cardinals.

2014 96-66. NL East Champions. Lost in the Divisional round to the San Francisco Giants.

2016: 95-67. NL East Champions. Lost in the Divisional round to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

With the perfect music to accompany the 2017disaster, you can’t help but look anyway.

Wade Davis was 4-2 with a 2.30 ERA/32 saves/1.14 WHIP. The veteran nearly made it throughout the whole season without a blown save, until a late-season hiccup. Nevertheless, he was stellar, making another All-Star game in the process.

Nothing makes a disaster even more enjoyable than the pipes of legendary singer Celine Dion.

Next: Nats: 2017 Season Review and Offseason Preview

If Wade Davis can generate some more of that 2014-2015 playoff magic, the Washington Nationals, or whatever aspiring playoff team he joins, will be a tough out in 2018.

The Washington Nationals one of seven teams to never win it all — Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Tampa Bay Rays.

The Houston Astros took their name off that list in 2017, will the Washington Nationals follow suit in 2018? I believe they will whenever they land Wade Davis.