Cleveland Indians should pursue trade with Washington Nationals
After their latest bullpen implosion, the Cleveland Indians must shore up their relief corps. The Washington Nationals have a couple relievers that could help them do just that.
In 2016, the Cleveland Indians‘ bullpen played a large role in their World Series run. Andrew Miller, Cody Allen, and Bryan Shaw formed a dominant trio in the back-end of the bullpen, effectively shortening the game.
However, in 2018, the Indians’ bullpen is nowhere near as strong. Allen remains the closer, but has struggled mightily. After his latest implosion against the cellar-dwelling Royals, some wonder whether or not he can be trusted.
Despite having one of the best bullpens on paper, the Indians’ relief corps owns the second-worst ERA in the American League. The acquisitions of Brad Hand and Adam Cimber have helped, but there is still some room for improvement.
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If the Indians want to make it through the daunted American League side of the postseason bracket, they must shore up their bullpen. This is where the Washington Nationals come in.
The Nats were supposed to be contending as well, but things have not gone to plan in DC. Now, they are in a position to sell off a few pieces before the wavier trade deadline. If they choose to make Kelvin Herrera and/or Ryan Madson available, Mike Chernoff should get Mike Rizzo on the phone immediately.
Cleveland is familiar with both Herrera and Madson, as they have each pitched for the Royals at some point over the last few years. They should know as well as anyone the kind of impact these two late-inning relievers can have.
Of the two, Herrera would be the grand prize. He has pitched to a 2.47 ERA this year, which has been inflated by pitching through a few injuries in Washington. Prior to being dealt in mid-June, he owned a 1.05 ERA and was well on his way to being named an All-Star for the third time in his career.
Despite struggling in Washington, Herrera would be a welcome addition. He has looked better since returning from the disabled list and has converted 17 of his 19 save opportunities. With the Indians, he could dethrone Allen as closer or team up with Miller to form a dynamic setup duo.
If the asking price on Herrera is too high, Madson would be a solid acquisition as well. He has not had his typical dominant season, but he has pitched through a few injuries. He is reportedly close to being activated from the disabled list and claims he feels as good as he has all year.
When he is right, Madson features a sinker approaching triple-digits, a nearly-unhittable pitch. Add in his vast postseason experience, and he could be an underrated addition to the Indians’ bullpen.
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A dominant relief corps has become an integral part of winning in the postseason. With a historically good American League, the Cleveland Indians need to do whatever they can to improve, specifically in the bullpen. Acquiring Kelvin Herrera or Ryan Madson from the Washington Nationals may be just what the Tribe needs to finally hoist the World Series trophy.