MLB Trade Rumors: One trade each team should make
By Jason Evans
RHP Austin Voth
RHP Joan Baez
Why the Nationals should do it: The Nationals can’t get the closer position quite right. Jonathan Papelbon was a disaster. Mark Melancon held his own after they dealt for him last year but he left in free agency. They couldn’t sign Kenley Jansen. Koda Glover and Shawn Kelley struggled and got hurt. They have even given Francisco Rodriguez a minor league deal. If they are going to take that step forward they need the back end of the bullpen solidified. This core only has so much longer left.
Enter Robertson, who has experience closing games and has playoff experience with a couple of years left on his deal. The Nationals don’t give up prized prospects Victor Robles or Juan Soto and still fill the biggest hole on their squad.
Why the White Sox should do it: Everyone on their roster should be available in trade discussions that makes some money. In this deal, they get a catcher in Read and two more arms in Voth and Baez to build around. Voth can join his former teammates Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez in Triple-A.
The White Sox can then bump Tommy Kahnle to the closer role if they don’t trade him either before the deadline. With pitching it’s strength in numbers and Voth and Baez give the Sox more options moving forward whether its’ with them or moving them for something else they need.