Washington Nationals should stick with Sean Doolittle as closer

Even though the Washington Nationals may feel tempted to add a new closer this winter, it’s best they stick with Sean Doolittle.

Last summer, the Washington Nationals went out and made two big trades in hopes of finding a solution for their ninth inning woes. One of those trades brought them Sean Doolittle from the Oakland Athletics. The veteran lefty hurled 30 innings for the Nationals down the stretch while posting a very favorable 2.40 ERA. More importantly, he successfully converted 21 saves.

While he did have a nice run with the Washington Nationals in 2017, there is some question whether or not he can repeat in 2018.

This offseason is a good one for teams looking to add a closer. One of the best in the game, Wade Davis, is available in free agency. While a possible missing link to their problems, Davis is going to put a huge dent in their payroll. Greg Holland, another awesome option is also hoping to find a new home or at least convince the Colorado Rockies to re-sign him for more money. He’ll cost less, but still hurt the Nationals’ chances at making other moves.

The Nationals were in the mix last winter for a closer but ultimately decided to keep things internal. Blake Treinen was the first to try his hand at closing. This didn’t last long at all. Shawn Kelley and Koda Glover also had their chance. Both of them failed as well.

Until Doolittle arrived, the Nationals used just about anyone they could find on the roster when the ninth inning arrived. He provided them with great stability and showed he had the grit to step into a hostile situation.

The problem with Doolittle is that he’s not exactly a closer by trade. He earned the opportunity with the Athletics back in 2014 and managed to save 22 games for them before season’s end. His 2015 campaign was cut short due to injury. When he returned in 2016, current Nationals teammate Ryan Madson was receiving the bulk of save opportunities. With 51 career saves under his belt, Doolittle has only sipped on what it’s like to work as closer in MLB.

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In free agency, the Nationals could go after Davis or Holland in hopes of upgrading over Doolittle. They could also make a trade for one of the many closers available. Names like Alex Colome, Hector Neris, and Brad Hand are all possibilities. However, if the Nationals are going to make a trade for anything, it shouldn’t be for a closer.

Instead, the Nationals need to trust Doolittle to save them games and fill out the rest of the bullpen however they can. Two of their better relievers last season, Brandon Kintzler and Matt Albers, are free agents. There’s a chance neither returns.

As great as it would be to target a top closer, the Nationals have many other needs. Filling the bench, possibly finding an external catching option, and maybe even targeting a strong fifth starter are all on the agenda. Although they have one of the shortest “to-do lists” this winter, the chores that lie ahead are important nonetheless.

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To scratch one of those tasks off the list, Washington must trust Doolittle. Until he gives them a reason not to, Doolittle is the closer.