Washington Nationals: 5 potential mid-season trade targets
By Drew Douglas
Kelvin Herrera
For the first time in what seems like forever, the Nats will have a strong bullpen to begin the season. Last year’s mid-season trades for Brandon Kintzler, Ryan Madson, and Sean Doolittle fortified the relief corps for the stretch run, and the big three will lead the way again in 2018.
However, question marks surround the rest of the bullpen. Koda Glover, Shawn Kelley, Sammy Solis, and Enny Romero all battled injuries last season, and may struggle in 2018. If this is the case, the Nats should consider trading for Kelvin Herrera.
Herrera, a 28-year-old reliever, has established himself as one of the most dominant and decorated relievers in the league. He has spent his entire seven-year career with the Kansas City Royals, where he has become a World Series champion and two-time All-Star.
Now, Herrera is entering his final year under team control. Although he has become a staple of the Royals’ bullpen, he is likely to be traded at the deadline. After losing Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, and Lorenzo Cain after the 2017 season, the Royals are unlikely to contend. Add in the difficult AL Central, and they are seemingly destined for a long year.
If the Royals shop Herrera at the deadline, he could be a great fit with the Nats. Adding him to the already-elite trio of Kintzler, Madson, and Doolittle would create a near-unhittable quartet in the back-end of the bullpen. If Glover, Kelley, Solis, and Romero are able to remain healthy, the Nats could have the best bullpen in the league.
The Nats have reportedly been interested in Herrera for a few years now, but this could be the year that they finally reel him in.