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5 trades Washington Nationals must make to get past Chicago Cubs

By Dan Schmelzer

Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez against the Arizona Diamondbacks during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez against the Arizona Diamondbacks during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jeremy Jeffress
Apr 19, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Jeremy Jeffress (21) celebrates the win after the game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Minnesota Twins 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Jeremy Jeffress, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers

While lineup depth is obviously an important need for the Nationals, it is not the only area of need on the roster. Jonathan Papelbon has been a decent closer for the team this year, but the bullpen as a whole could certainly use some quality arms added to the mix.

The Milwaukee Brewers are clearly in a rebuilding situation and seem primed to trade away any asset who teams are interested in. After bouncing around the league for the first few years of his career, Jeremy Jeffress has landed softly in Milwaukee and has become an intriguing arm in their bullpen.

With an impressive mix of stuff and smart pitching ability, Jeffress has become an extremely reliable option in the bullpen for the Brewers. After a fantastic 2015 season, Jeffress took over the closer role for the Brewers this season and has continued to be lock-down.

I doubt that the Nationals would trade for Jeffress as a replacement for Papelbon at closer, but he could certainly come in and be a valuable piece for the team in a late-inning set-up role. A talented pitcher who would undoubtedly help the Nationals’ bullpen, Washington should at least be checking the price on Jeffress.

Next: Upgrade on the Middle Infield

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