Washington Nationals: Power ranking the closer trade targets

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1. RAISEL IGLESIAS

As with everyone else, Raisel Iglesias has a solid resume on a team going nowhere this year. If the Cincinnati Reds move salary before the deadline, there is legit interest in Iglesias.

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Although the price in prospects will be steep, and his salary will put the Nats over the tax budget, Iglesias should not cost Washington more than what Toronto would want for Osuna.

This is Iglesias’ first year at closer. Because the Reds have struggled the last few years, he does not have the playoff experience others do on the list. Paired with starter Scott Feldman, however, the Nats can grab two pitchers for the steep price they will pay anywhere.

Iglesias’ nasty fastball and sinker have turned the converted starter into a closer worth wanting. This year in 42.2 innings, his WHIP of 0.914 and 54 strikeouts make him effective. Those 16 saves help too. With an ERA of 1.69, the Nats potentially have someone who resembles Chapman without paying the same dollar amount.

He tops the list because Cincinnati is more likely to trade Iglesias than Toronto is Osuna. The asking price is nasty. If they choose him, we are talking top prospects and where Washington has future depth. But, he has team control through the rest of the decade and costs less than Robertson in the immediate future.

Next: Chat with Erick Fedde

There are no easy answers and the costs will take years to figure. But, the need for a closer is real and the reward might be an elusive World Series.

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