The Washington Nationals might still be in the hunt for a closer, even after making a trade Sunday to acquire two relievers from the Oakland Athletics.
The Nationals are “in the mix” for Detroit Tigers closer Justin Wilson, Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal on Thursday. But Washington isn’t willing to give up their premier young talent, such as Victor Robles, to get the trade done.
Sources: #Nationals among teams in mix for #Tigers’ J. Wilson. Won’t move Robles, Fedde, Soto. #RedSox, #Dodgers, #Astros, others also in.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 20, 2017
Washington’s interest in Wilson makes sense. This season, Wilson has a 2.75 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 36 innings. He has 10 saves.
Wilson, 29, is under team control for next season — an added bonus if the Nationals make a trade for him. When the Nationals made Sunday’s trade, an important component of acquiring Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson from the A’s was that they would be on the roster in 2018 as well.
The Nationals’ need for a closer has been well-documented all season long.
Washington already took a flyer on former Tigers closer Francisco Rodriguez, who was released by Detroit on June 23. The Nationals signed Rodriguez to a minor-league contract days later, but the 35-year-old didn’t stick. Rodriguez appeared in a few minor league games and was released Friday.
MLB’s trade deadline is July 31.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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