Report: Papelbon, Storen 'likely' to be traded
The Washington Nationals' offseason overhaul could reportedly include dismantling their high-profile bullpen.
Sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that the Nationals are "likely" to move both All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon and right-hander Drew Storen this offseason in an effort to perhaps clear room for another pair of big-name relievers.
According to Rosenthal, general manager Mike Rizzo remains intent on acquiring Cincinnati Reds flamethrower Aroldis Chapman, whom the Nationals executive tried to sign out of Cuba in 2010, and again attempted to trade for at the non-waiver deadline in July.
Chapman is entering his final year of arbitration after making roughly $8 million in 2015, while Papelbon is on the hook for $11 million this season before he becomes a free agent. Storen also remains under club control for one more season.
| Player | IP | K/9 | ERA | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman | 66.1 | 15.74 | 1.63 | 2.5 |
| O'Day | 65.1 | 11.30 | 1.52 | 1.8 |
| Storen | 55.0 | 10.96 | 3.44 | 1.1 |
| Papelbon | 63.1 | 7.96 | 2.13 | 0.4 |
The Nationals are also believed to be among the leaders in pursuit of free-agent reliever Darren O'Day, who's reportedly seeking a four-year deal between $28 and $36 million.
Washington's busy offseason has already included firing manager Matt Williams and his coaching staff, and hiring veteran skipper Dusty Baker. Shortstop Ian Desmond, meanwhile, is not expected to return to the club after rejecting the Nationals' $15.8-million qualifying offer earlier this month.
Both Papelbon and Storen found themselves in the middle of controversy at the end of Washington's disappointing season. Papelbon was suspended for grabbing Bryce Harper's throat in the dugout, while Storen missed the final few weeks of the season after slamming his locker and breaking his finger.