The Washington Nationals are currently evaluating bullpen arms prior to the July 31st MLB Trade Deadline, and while there have been plenty of rumors linking the Nats to this player or that, we don't quite yet have a clear picture as to just who Washington is willing to go all-in on.
"As it is every year, the price of players lowers the closer it is to the actual trade deadline," MASN's David Huzzard writes. "Players like (Aroldis) Chapman and (Craig) Kimbrel won't clear waivers, and while it appears all the leverage is with the trading team ,it isn't. The Nationals need relievers more than they need closers. Tyler Clippard, Brad Ziegler, and Joaquin Benoit fill the Nats needs just as well, and that doesn't even mention the several relievers likely to clear waivers after the July 31 deadline and be available for the Nats to trade for after August 1."
Chapman and Kimbrel are the available aces on the bullpen trade market right now, and the litany of teams chasing quality closers could drive their prices up to hyperinflated levels.
Keep an eye on Clippard -- the Nationals have been connected to him in reunion rumors for weeks now, and the A's are primed and ready for a fire sale as they continue to hold up the rear of the American League standings.
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