RADIO
Jonathan Papelbon is the latest reliever that the Washington Nationals are interested in.
The Nationals are “making progress” to acquire the Philadelphia Phillies closer. The 34-year-old right-hander has wanted out of Philly seemingly all year. The Phillies are out of contention for the postseason while Washington is holding onto first place in the NL East, and could use help at the back end of the bullpen. According to the report, Papelbon won't approve the deal unless he becomes the closer.
Sources: #Nationals making progress on acquiring Papelbon from #Phillies. Papelbon has said he will only approve deal if he can close.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2015
If the Nats trade for Papelbon, Drew Storen could move back to his old role as a set-up man despite having a great year closing out games with 29 saves and a 1.73 ERA.
Papelbon has 17 saves with a 1.59 ERA. In eight of his last nine seasons, he had at least 30 saves. Throughout his 11-year career, he has a combined 342 saves and 761 strikeouts while making six All-Star teams and winning one World Series.
The trade could happen if Washington guarantees the $13 million vesting option for 2016 for Papelbon.
