MLB rumors: Washington Nationals primed to make noise before trade deadline
The Washington Nationals are primed to make significant noise before the MLB tradeline. Who are possible targets for the squad from the nation’s capital?
Washington Nationals fans still have 2016 in the back of their minds, a postseason they wish to forget. That roster, as it is now, was loaded, but was lacking one crucial piece to their postseason puzzle.
A lockdown closer.
After stumbling out the gates like a stallion running through mud, the Washington Nationals appear to be back on track. But, if they want to avoid history from repeating itself, they must add an elite arm for the backend of their bullpen.
The Washington Nationals are winners of last
— Fightin Phillies (@FightinPhillies) May 29, 2018
4 in a row and now are just a few percentage points away from the Phillies #NL
According to Jeremy Fialkow of NBCSports.com, Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo, his:
Plans start and end with adding a commanding bullpen arm, capable of shortening each game by three outs.
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Is there anybody out there up for grabs that the Washington Nationals could snag? There undoubtedly is, but it may cost them a pretty penny in the process. However, with Bryce Harper becoming an unrestricted MLB free agent following this season — it’s all or nothing for the Washington Nationals.
Honestly, the only chance they have in resigning Bryce Harper is winning it all this season.
Who are viable closer options for the Washington Nationals?
Rasiel Iglesias could be an option from the Cincinnati Reds, who are doomed to finish in the NL Central cellar. But, would they be willing to part ways with a young gun such as him? For the right price, possibly.
The Washington Nationals only need to look down the road, with Baltimore Orioles (active) closer Brad Brach a viable option — an All-Star in 2016.
However, their current closer Sean Doolittle may have the last word here, who’s been stellar in 2018 thus far — with an ERA below 2.00, nearly 14 K per nine innings, and 11 saves in 2018. Honestly, I feel the Washington Nationals are safe giving him the rock in the ninth inning — with no need to look for outside help unless a cheap option falls into their lap.
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The Washington Nationals have enough firepower, pitching, and now a stopper to close out the final frame of games. But, GM Mike Rizzo is not messing around; taking no chances at all with this all or nothing season.
He’s certainly looking for a Plan B, in case Plan A flames out, which happened in 2016. Better safe than sorry, right?