Washington Nationals: 6 who might be traded this winter
By Ron Juckett
KODA GLOVER
A longshot name, you could see Koda Glover’s name come up in talks this winter.
Yes, his health is a concern. He pitched himself out of the closer’s role this spring. What is the matter with his labrum?
Glover owns a closer’s mentality. He has that balance of recklessness and ability to slam doors. His pitching arsenal was strong enough last spring he should have broken camp as the closer.
Like Goodwin, there is no open spot for Glover to fill in 2018. If healthy, he competes with Enny Romero and Sammy Solis for early setup innings. The eighth- and ninth-inning jobs, however, are filled by Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle. If Kintzler turns down a closer job in free agency and stays, it complicates things further.
Under team control until after 2022, there are roles Glover can grow into. But, if the top prospects are off the table, he has that mix of talent and potential at 24 to draw discussion.
Because he is still a prospect the Nats covet, any trade involving Glover is not likely. When negotiations get serious and Washington holds firm on names, see if he enters the fray.