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2015 MLB Trade Deadline: Will Jonathan Papelbon Close For Nationals?

By Mike Marteny

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The Washington Nationals shored up their bullpen, acquiring closer Jonathan Papelbon from the Philadelphia Phillies. Papelbon publicly stated that he would not waive his no trade clause if he was traded to a team where he would not be the closer. The Nationals have reportedly moved Drew Storen, who is 1-0 with a 1.73 ERA and 29 saves in 31 tries, to the setup role.

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Papelbon, who is the career saves leader for both the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox, is 17 for 17 in save chances this year with a 1.59 ERA. Papelbon had become a malcontent in Philadelphia, and is likely the first in a line of veterans that will be traded by the team in the next couple of days.

As a condition of the trade, the Nationals are paying Papelbon the league minimum for the rest of the season. Papelbon also agreed to sign his option for next season at $11 million instead of $13 million. $3 million of the $11 million will also be deferred. Here are the full details of the trade:

Drew Storen is no stranger to the setup role. He has amassed 67 career holds in the Washington bullpen with his career 2.80 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. If Storen is okay with being a setup guy once again, this trade could be exactly what the Nationals need to win the National League pennant. They can now use Matt Thornton or Casey Janssen in the seventh inning, depending on the matchup, and have two lockdown guys in Storen and Papelbon to finish the game.

Papelbon’s value gets a big boost here. Storen had 14 more save opportunities than Papelbon, so you can expect Papelbon to see at least five more opportunities than he would have had he stayed with the Phillies. If you can get him at his current value, do it!

Storen is the obvious loser here unless your league counts holds. He will likely be one of the elite setup men, so if you need holds, find the disappointed Storen owner in your league and make an offer.

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Ex-MLB closer predicts Mets finish below .500 and the Phillies make it to the World Series
Ex-MLB closer predicts Mets finish below .500 and the Phillies make it to the World Series /

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    • Nick Pivetta was a fourth round selection by the Nationals in 2013, and was 7-6 with a 3.02 ERA in 17 starts between high-A Potomac and AA Harrisburg this season. His recent promotion to AA has seen him struggle with a 0-2 record and 7.20 ERA in three starts. He was the 10th best prospect for the Nationals according to mlb.com, and retains that same spot in the Phillies organization.

    The Nationals are just thrilled that they didn’t have to give up top prospect Lucas Giolito to improve their bullpen. The money that they have to give Papelbon will be worth it so long as he and Storen can go-exist in the back of the bullpen. If he can’t, this could torpedo the Nationals’ playoff hopes.

    Stay tuned to Fantasy CPR for analysis of every deadline deal, and what it means for your fantasy teams!

    Next: Is Johnny Cueto Still A Fantasy Ace With The Royals?

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