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Washington Nationals: Say No To David Robertson After Eaton Deal

By Ricky Keeler

Jun 21, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher David Robertson (30) pitches during the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher David Robertson (30) pitches during the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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After making the Adam Eaton trade, the Washington Nationals shouldn’t deal for David Robertson

Yesterday’s trade between the Washington Nationals and the Chicago White Sox left the baseball industry in shock as the Nats sent their top three pitching prospects to the White Sox for center fielder Adam Eaton. Now, could another deal be in the works between these two teams to address the Nats need at closer?

Early this morning, Mark Zuckerman of MASN reported that the Washington Nationals were discussing a trade with the White Sox for closer David Robertson. This morning, I wondered why the Nats didn’t try to trade for Robertson and Eaton in the same deal, but Bob Nightengale from USA Today said the White Sox wouldn’t do that deal:

Based off of this information, I would not make another deal with the White Sox for Robertson. Robertson is a good closer option and he is versatile in being able to pitch the eighth or ninth inning for the next two years, as I have argued before. However, how many more young players would it take to get that kind of a deal done?

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The White Sox have done an excellent job so far in the beginning of their rebuilding process. They have the three Nats pitchers from the Eaton deal as well as infielder Yoan Moncada and pitcher Michael Kopech (plus two other prospects) from the Chris Sale. The five main prospects from those deals are all in the top ten of Chicago’s system, according to MLB Pipeline.

Even though the Washington Nationals are in a win now mode, the White Sox have the opportunity to make the Nats overpay again for one of their players. While I don’t think the Nats will end up winning the Kenley Jansen sweepstakes, there are other reliever options in free agency, such as Greg Holland or Neftali Feliz.

Right now, teams know that the Washington Nationals need a closer because it would be tough for this organization to start the year with a new closer such as Blake Treinen, Shawn Kelley, or Koda Glover. With that being known, teams will try to ask for a lot in return.

Next: Overpaying For Eaton Was Mistake

While Robertson would be a good fit, it’s important for Mike Rizzo and the Washington Nationals front office not to overpay again, especially for a closer with only two years left on his contract.

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