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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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Aroldis Chapman
Apr 2, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) throws in the sixth inning during a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Aroldis Chapman, LHP, New York Yankees

Adding a pitcher like Jeffress would certainly help the Nationals’ bullpen, but nothing like this. Aroldis Chapman has had his fair share of off-the-field issues, but he is an extremely talented pitcher who is the most dominant reliever in the game. The Nationals have been connected to Chapman in the past and would be wise to revisit the situation this year.

Chapman’s combination of a 100+ MPH fastball and wicked slider is nearly impossible to hit on a consistent basis. The Nationals’ bullpen is far from elite, but adding Chapman to the mix would immediately put them in to that conversation.

There is some downside here. First, the asking price. Obviously acquiring a guy like Chapman is going to be expensive. However, if the Nationals expect to be contenders to the Cubs and company, this is the kind of move they have to make.

Also, Chapman is going to want to come in as the closer and Jonathan Papelbon is not going to want to give up his spot. Papelbon is a decent closer, but he is not worth dealing with if he is going to be an issue when Chapman arrives. Simply shipping him off for another piece or prospects would solve that issue.

Next: High-Level Protection for Harper

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