Washington Nationals: Five Who Must Step Up In 2017

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THE MIGHTY CLOSER

By the time you read this, we might know who the Nationals will use as their closer. Or, we may get an answer before Labor Day.

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The closer is the Washington Nationals biggest enigma. Come November, all the worry might be for nothing. November is a long way away.

No matter if Blake Treinen, Koda Glover or Shawn Kelley win the role, the pressure is real to perform. Any slip will cause an avalanche of bad press and gritting of teeth. Unable to keep Mark Melancon, or sign anyone else, we start the season with an unproven closer to be named later.

Regardless of who carries the job, all three guys are staring into the harsh spotlight. A Harper or Adam Eaton can hide after a bad strikeout. A home run ball launched offers no solace if the Nats lose late.

Mentality, expectations and potential fill columns and the airwaves, but outside the short period where Kelley filled in last year, none of these three have had the expectations to close. If the Nats were forecast to be 81-81, then it would not be a big deal.

Although the words “World Series or Bust” are not said in public, those are the expectations. No three players in DC—including Kirk Cousins or Alexander Ovechkin—are under the microscope more.

As a unit, if they do the job, the Nats advance. If not, then Washington’s fate is out of their own hands and the price gets higher every blown save.

Next: Lind Earns Spot Over Robinson

Sleep well, boys.