Washington Nationals: Power ranking the closer trade targets
By Ron Juckett
3. DAVID ROBERTSON
The Nats man crush on David Robertson goes back to last year’s Winter Meetings. After trading for Adam Eaton from the Chicago White Sox, Washington worked during the offseason for a deal for Robertson only to see ownership nix it.
With the same problems now as last winter, Robertson is someone the organization is familiar with. They know his strengths and weaknesses as well as their own players.
As the ChiSox drift out of the AL playoff picture, Robertson and others are available for the highest bidder. Between the Eaton deal and the Chris Sale move to Boston, Chicago is swimming with top-shelf prospects and want more.
Robertson has years of experience as a closer. Starting with the New York Yankees, he has held the job the last three seasons with the White Sox.
In 31.1 innings this year, Robertson whiffed 46 for a stunning rate of 13.2 per nine. His WHIP is a solid, but not spectacular, 1.021. He is home run prone, allowing 1.1 per nine and will walk hitters. The 11 allowed include three intentional.
Due $13 million next year, Robertson is not cheap. Not only would the Nats blow through the competitive balance tax limit this year, they would come close next year.
How much salary they take dictates who they give up. There are better options, but Robertson may not bust the farm to get him.