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Washington Nationals: 5 Scott Boras clients to watch

By Drew Douglas

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 07: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals reacts after hitting a two run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the eighth inning during game two of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 7, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 07: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals reacts after hitting a two run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the eighth inning during game two of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 7, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Greg Holland

Following the trend of having strong pitching, the Nats’ bullpen is uncharacteristically strong heading into 2018. Led by Sean Doolittle, Ryan Madson, and Brandon Kintzler, the Nats’ relief corps is in great shape.

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However, they could still add a closer represented by Boras, as they did prior to the 2013 season when they signed Rafael Soriano with Drew Storen already in tow. If the Nats choose to make a similar move this off-season, Greg Holland could be donning the Curly W come Opening Day.

Holland, 32, is coming off of a phenomenal season in which he led the National League in saves. Unfortunately, there is cause for concern moving forward.

The most obvious obstacle is the fact that Holland missed all of 2016 after undergoing Tommy John surgery the previous off-season. His first season after surgery, 2017, was terrific, but pitchers typically struggle the most in their second season back.

Holland also spent 2017 with the Colorado Rockies and appeared in 30 games at Coors Field, which is the most difficult environment in the league to pitch in. In addition to being extremely hitter-friendly, it can also be exceptionally taxing on pitchers’ arms, which could hurt Holland moving forward.

All things considered, Holland is probably not a worthwhile risk for the Nats. With a solid bullpen already in place, they should look to sign a safer reliever if they sign a reliever at all. However, you never know with the Nats when Boras clients are involved.

Next: Erick Fedde on the outside looking in

Although the Nats could easily enter the season with the roster as it is currently constructed, it is not in their nature to not at least court a big-name free agent. Considering how many Boras clients remain on the open market in mid-January, do not be surprised if the Nats make a splash in the near future.

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