Washington Nationals: Who Should Close in 2017?

ALEX COLOME

One way the Nationals could upgrade their bullpen is through the trade market.

Two potential targets could be Tampa Bay Rays closer Alex Colome and Chicago White Sox closer David Robertson. On one hand, Colome is an All-Star closer, and he would fill the void left by Melancon, but his price tag will likely be too high.

After giving up two of their three top prospects for Adam Eaton, can the Nationals farm system afford another major blow? A Colome deal would likely have to include top prospect Victor Robles, and maybe even starter A.J. Cole, or a combination of several young arms.

That is a price they can’t afford to pay, which is why a trade for Robertson would be more plausible, but still not the best option.

Robertson is going into year three of his four-year deal with the White Sox worth $12 million next year.

Like Colome, Robertson is an All-Star closer who is a proven arm, and would be a nice fit on this National team. However, he has been shaky the last couple of years and, with a team in search of a lockdown ninth inning option, it may be a risk too many.

Also, just a week ago the Nationals and White Sox agreed to a mega-deal which sent Adam Eaton to the nation’s capital, which sent Giolito and Lopez to Chicago. While Eaton fills a clear need in center, the jury is out on whether the Nats gave up too much for a good, but not great player.

A deal for another White Sox, in this case Robertson, may leave a weird taste in the organization. As a result, the Nationals should look to spread the wealth a bit in the bullpen, and upgrade via free agency.