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Washington Nationals: Why A David Robertson Deal Doesn’t Make Sense

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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Yesterday, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and MLB Network wrote the Washington Nationals are still talking to the White Sox about closer David Robertson

Closer has been the proverbial $64,000 question for the Washington Nationals this offseason. With one week to go until spring training, that position is still unsettled for the organization. Yesterday, one target officially came off the board when Sergio Romo signed with the Dodgers to become their setup man. So now, what’s next?

On Monday morning, Ken Rosenthal wrote in his column on FOX Sports that the Washington Nationals are still talking to the Chicago White Sox about trying to acquire closer David Robertson. Here is more of what Rosenthal had to say:

"“The Nats continue to discuss a trade with the White Sox for closer David Robertson, according to major-league sources. Robertson is owed $12 million this season and $13 million next season, creating an all-too-typical Nats obstacle. The team does not want to absorb Robertson’s entire obligation, and does not want to move additional prospects after parting with three young pitchers for Eaton, sources say.” (h/t Rosenthal, FOX Sports)"

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Right now, you would think the Washington Nationals are going to stay internal with who their Opening Day closer is. But, would that hinder getting Robertson? In a way, it can. The reason for that is the longer Robertson is available via trade, the price will only go up as more teams that could need bullpen help will eventually enter the sweepstakes during the season.

Of course, the Nats and White Sox have already made one blockbuster deal this winter when outfielder Adam Eaton was dealt to the Nats for pitching prospects Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, and Dane Dunning. Would the Nats be willing to give up even more top prospects to fuel the White Sox rebuilding efforts?

In a way, the Washington Nationals have sent out mixed messages this winter. They have shown the aggressiveness to go all-in with the Eaton deal. With that being said, it’s been another offseason of missed opportunities on big time players. To me, it doesn’t sound like the right idea to have an all-in kind of a year start with an inexperienced closer.

Plus, even though the Nats didn’t get one of the big three free agent closers (Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen, and Mark Melancon), it’s their lack of giving Greg Holland $7 million with incentives or even Sergio Romo the $3 million that he got from the Dodgers. If they aren’t willing to spend on those relievers, can they really take on Robertson’s $29 million that he has left over the final two years of his deal?

To me, Robertson is still a good fit for the Washington Nationals because he has the closer experience that the team needs. Plus, if he were to falter in that role, he has a good track record of being a setup man from his time with the New York Yankees.

Next: Biggest Question: Concern Surrounding Nats Farm System?

It’s been a strange offseason for the Washington Nationals to say the least. Are they in a situation where they now have to drastically overpay for Robertson? Only time will tell. If the Nats want him, they might have to do it now, but is it worth having to pay potentially a hefty price in prospects? Probably not.

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