MLB Trade Rumors: 5 players Nationals should acquire

2. A.J. Ramos, CP, Marlins

So far we’ve only discussed names the Nationals have been rumored to be interested in. However, there are a couple of closer options that would make sense to pursue alongside the team’s expected trade targets.

He isn’t a sexy name, but Marlins closer A.J. Ramos, an All-Star in 2016, has saved 76 games over the last three years. Ramos has never posted an ERA higher than 3.86 in five previous big league seasons, and he entered 2017 with an ERA under 3.00 in three consecutive years.

The 30-year-old right-hander has a 3.86 ERA with sour saves in 14 innings across 15 appearances so far this season. Ramos has struck out 17 hitters in 14 innings while allowing 11 hits and nine walks.

The walks are a concern, and are also a big reason why Ramos has a 4.82 FIP, which indicates he has not pitched as well as even his relatively high ERA would indicate. However, Ramos may have been affected by the Marlins’ struggles. Miami has lost 11 of its last 13 games and 14 of 17, so Ramos hasn’t had many leads to protect in recent weeks. In fact, he’s pitched only four times in those 17 games.

But, Ramos has the experience, and could excel again with regular work. Since 2015, when Ramos was inserted into the closer role in Miami, Ramos has posted a 2.67 ERA with 76 saves in 153 games.

Ramos doesn’t blow hitters away with high 90s heat (his fastball averages 92.3 miles per hour according to PITCHf/x data), but has struck out 177 hitters in 148.1 innings (a solid 28.7 percent strikeout rate) thanks to a very effective slider and changeup. He is currently making $6.55 million this season and has one more arbitration year in 2018 before becoming a free agent.