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MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: 5 trades Reds should make

By Nicholas Ian Allen

ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 21: Zack Cozart #2 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates with Billy Hamilton #6 of the Cincinnati Reds after scoring in the top of the top pf the fifth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 21, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 21: Zack Cozart #2 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates with Billy Hamilton #6 of the Cincinnati Reds after scoring in the top of the top pf the fifth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 21, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – JULY 09: Relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias #26 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a warm up pitch before the ninth inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on July 9, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – JULY 09: Relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias #26 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a warm up pitch before the ninth inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on July 9, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Trade Raisel Iglesias to the Nationals

It sounds like a broken record, but the Washington Nationals have the worst bullpen in baseball. No set of major league relief pitchers has combined for a worse ERA (5.20), fWAR (-0.9), or allowed a higher batting average (.273) through the first half of the season. If the Nats have any hope of finally getting over the hump and winning a postseason series, they need to fix their bullpen problem, and it starts with trading for a dependable closer.

Also, unlike 2016 when the club added Mark Melancon, who left as a free agent after the season, Washington would probably prefer to find a long-term solution. Reds closer Raisel Iglesias – a 27-year-old right-hander signed through the 2021 season – would be the perfect fit.

Iglesias has been outstanding for the Reds this season, posting a 1.69 ERA and 2.44 FIP in 42.2 innings across 36 games. The three-year major league veteran has 16 saves in 17 opportunities this season. Iglesias has allowed just 23 hits and 16 walks, giving him a sparkling 0.914 WHIP, and has 52 strikeouts. As a bonus, the Reds have used Iglesias in a variety of situations this season, including pitching him for multiple innings. That’s great news for the Nats since closers are often tasked with making multi-inning saves in the postseason.

Next: MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades Marlins should make

Given his talent and success, as well as his long-term contract, the Nationals would need to offer several prospects to the Reds in exchange for Iglesias. While top prospect Victor Robles is probably untouchable, the rest of the Washington farm system should be available.

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