Washington Nationals: Who Should Close in 2017?
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.
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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.