MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: 5 trades Nationals should make

3. Trade for Tommy Kahnle or Anthony Swarzak

If the Nationals are comfortable handing the full-time closer duties to Doolittle or Madson, they don’t need to go looking for a full-time closer. In that case, it would make sense to pursue two of the best middle relievers in baseball, Tommy Kahnle and Anthony Swarzak.

Kahnle has been outstanding in his two seasons with the White Sox, and has posted a 2.56 ERA and 2.77 FIP in 66 games since he was acquired from the Colorado Rockies before the 2016 season. This year, Kahnle has a 2.50 ERA and miniscule 1.48 FIP. The 27-year-old right-0hander has struck out 60 hitters in 36 innings – 15 per nine innings – and has allowed just seven walks. Kahnle has surrendered just 28 hits this season, which paired with his low walk rate equates to a 0.972 WHIP.

Though he’s not a closer, Kahnle has closer-type stuff, and it’s quite possible the White Sox hope to move him into the ninth inning ahead of the 2018 season. Therefore, he won’t come as cheap as the usual no-name middle reliever. But, given Chicago’s rebuilding plans and the relative volatility of relievers compared to players at other positions, the club might be motivated to sell high on Kahnle.

Swarzak has been nearly as good for the White Sox. The 31-year-old right-hander has a 2.47 ERA and 2.30 FIP in 43.2 innings across 37 appearances since signing with Chicago as a free agent last season. Swarzak has struck out 48 hitters and walked just 11, giving him 9.9 K/9 and a 0.962 WHIP. And, unlike Kahnle, Swarzak has been far better than his career numbers this season (4.35 ERA, 4.13 FIP), meaning it’s far more likely the club will be willing to flip him to a contender.