Fansided

MLB trade rumors: 3 Nationals targets for bullpen

By Brad Berreman

Sep 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher David Robertson (30) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher David Robertson (30) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

1. David Robertson, Chicago White Sox

The White Sox moved into sell-mode during the offseason, most notably trading ace Chris Sale to the Red Sox, but they did not find a suitable deal to move Robertson. The Nationals were constantly tied to Robertson in trade rumors, but Chicago’s asking price seemed to be too steep. If anything, with the likelihood of less leverage for Nationals’ general manager Mike Rizzo now, the White Sox probably still want a fair load of assets in a deal for their closer.

Robertson had 71 saves over his two full seasons as Chicago’s closer, and he’s 4-for-4 in save opportunities with a 1.35 ERA and 12 strikeouts over 6.2 inning so far this season. But he has also only pitched once since last Tuesday, in a non-save situation no less, and despite a solid 8-9 record thus far the White Sox are not a playoff contender. Simply put, Robertson is a tradeable asset if expectations for a return in a deal are kept reasonable.

Next: MLB power rankings: The best player on all 30 teams

An elevated walk rate last year (4.6 BB/9) is a possible chink in Robertson’s armor, and 110 saves over the last three seasons has also come with 19 blown saves in that span (14 over the 2015 and 2016 seasons with the White Sox). But the Nationals probably have a starting point in trade talks to work from, which may make a move more feasible.

Home/MLB