MLB Trade Rumors: 5 players Nationals should acquire

3. David Robertson, CP, White Sox

With the possible exception of his teammate Jose Quintana and the Astros, no player and team have been linked together more since the end of the 2016 season than White Sox closer David Robertson and the Nationals. It just makes sense: after all, Chicago is rebuilding, Robertson has experience (he’s in his fourth full season as a major league closer) and a manageable contract (which pays him $12 million this year and $13 million in 2018).

So far this season, Robertson has a 2.81 ERA and 2.23 FIP with five saves in 14 games. The 32-year-old right-hander has allowed 11 hits and six walks with 22 strikeouts in 16 innings.

Since he took over for Mariano Rivera as the closer for the Yankees in 2014, Robertson has a 3.28 ERA with 115 saves in 206 innings spread across 199 games. He has a 2.87 FIP with a 33.2 percent strikeout rate over that span, both of which indicate Robertson has been even a little better than his basic stats would indicate. He’s also been very dependable, having pitched at least 60 innings every season since 2010.

Washington and the White Sox have a history thanks to the Eaton trade, so the foundation has already been laid for working with one another on a future deal. Plus, the White Sox have a few other players that the Nationals may value, which makes the pair an even better fit for a trade. Veteran switch-hitting outfielder Melky Cabrera will be a free agent at the end of the season, as will lefty starter Derek Holland.