MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: 5 trades Nationals should make

2. Trade for David Robertson

Of course, White Sox closer David Robertson still makes sense for the Nationals even if Washington added two relievers with closing experience. Robertson has been at the top of the list of those mentioned as the answer to the Nats’ bullpen woes all season, and adding him to the mix would only further improve the bullpen situation in D.C.

Robertson is an experienced closer with a long track record of success in the role. The 32-year-old right-hander has been a big league closer for four years running, and has posted a 3.22 ERA and 2.94 FIP with 123 saves over that period. He has also struck out 33.5 percent of the hitters he has faced during that span.

Also, because Washington made the savvy move to trade for bullpen help already, they might have forced the White Sox to lower the asking price for Robertson. Chicago knew the Nats were desperate for a closer, which gave the White Sox leverage in trade talks, especially since Robertson is under team control through the 2018 season. However, because the Nationals landed Doolittle and Madson, that leverage is largely gone since no other contender has nearly as shaky a closing situation as Washington did before the trade with Oakland.

The White Sox have been very patient in their rebuilding trades, getting top dollar for Eaton and Chris Sale over the winter and Jose Quintana last week. The club is in no apparent rush to unload its best players, but Chicago – in last place entering the week with a 38-52 record – also has no need for a frontline closer and shouldn’t let an opportunity to pass to capitalize on Robertson’s value.