Washington Nationals: Who Should Close in 2017?
With Kenley Jansen heading back to the Dodgers, the Washington Nationals are still left looking for a late inning option out of the bullpen, but their answers lies on the free agent market.
The Washington Nationals were dealt a huge blow Monday when closer Kenley Jansen agreed to a five-year deal to re-sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
This is yet another swing and miss for Mike Rizzo and company. After failing to land Chris Sale, Mark Melancon, Aroldis Chapman, and Jansen, the Nationals have struggled to acquire top talent this winter, to say the least.
They were able to acquire Adam Eaton though, albeit the hefty price. The Nationals dealt top pitching prospects Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez, as well as Dane Dunning for him. A bold move to say the least. Eaton will add to what already is a very good Nats lineup.
The Nationals were also able to acquire San Diego Padres catcher Derek Norris to fill the void behind the plate with Wilson Ramos‘ departure. Eaton and Ramos both fill big holes for the Nats, but the void that still isn’t filled is in the backend of the bullpen.
It’s been a struggle to find a closer, or even a spot reliever. That doesn’t mean the Nationals can feel sorry for themselves because, in order to compete for a National League pennant, they need to have a deep, reliable bullpen. Their options are a plenty, but some make more sense than others.
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.
GREG HOLLAND
While Chapman, Melancon, and Jansen were the clear top tier relievers available this offseason, they weren’t the only good options. One guy who remains available and has become forgotten in a way, is former Kansas City Royals closer Greg Holland.
In 2013, Holland posted a 1.21 ERA and was third in saves. In 2014, Holland nearly duplicated his success. He recorded a 1.44 ERA and finished third in saves yet again, but Holland struggled in 2015. He posted a 3.83 ERA recording only 32 saves, and then underwent Tommy John surgery in late September, ending his season, and the entire 2016 season.
The question is does he still have that elite closer in him?
Only he can answer that and, while he may a bit of a risk, he may be one worth taking. Considering that he’s been out of the game for a year, Holland should be getable for a one-year/$10 million deal.
It could be a one-year “prove it deal.” However, if the Nationals decide that they want some support for Holland, they could also add reliever Brad Ziegler.
BRAD ZIEGLER
Former Arizona Diamondbacks and Red Sox reliever Brad Ziegler would be a shrewd pickup.
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Over the course of his career, Ziegler has been a reliable and more than serviceable setup man. While the Nationals aren’t in desperate need of a setup man with Shawn Kelley and Blake Treinen at their disposal, you can never have enough pitching.
If you throw him in the mix with Kelley, Treinen, Sammy Solis, Oliver Perez, and even Koda Glover, the Nationals would be armed with a bevy of setup options. Ziegler could also help give the Nats a safety net for Greg Holland.
If Holland can’t rejuvenate himself, or if he just struggles to keep runners off base, Ziegler could take the reins at closer. While he hasn’t been a closer for most his career, Ziegler has some experience in the role, and his versatility could prove to be valuable for the Nationals. While getting up there in age, Ziegler should still command a deal in the three-year/$28 million deal.
If they could ink Ziegler and Holland, the Nationals would be armed with a very deep and strong bullpen.
Next: Baseball America's Top 10 Nats Prospects
The Nats have had it rough so far this winter in terms of failing to acquiring top talent, but they never were, and still aren’t, in desperate need of a top tier player. They need a deep bullpen to help complement their deep lineup, and top five rotation. Signing Holland and Ziegler would do just that.