Report: Nats discussing Melancon, Ramos as trade targets
The Washington Nationals beefed up their bullpen at last year's trade deadline, and the National League East leaders are reportedly getting ready to do the same in 2017.
Still more than two months away from the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, the Nationals have started making calls for closers, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, and have discussed internally a host of potential trade targets, including A.J. Ramos of the Miami Marlins and Mark Melancon of the San Francisco Giants, whom the Nationals acquired for the home stretch in 2016.
The club has also spoken about Kansas City Royals closer Kelvin Herrera, as well as Alex Colome of the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays youngster Roberto Osuna.
At 26-17, the Nationals boast a seven-game lead atop their division, but their bullpen has struggled this season, putting up a 5.46 ERA - the second-worst mark in the majors - with more meltdowns (29) than all but three other teams. Finding a reliable option for the ninth inning has been especially challenging for manager Dusty Baker, who has given multiple save opportunities to four different relievers but hasn't found someone he trusts.
| Name | ERA | WHIP | gmLI | SV | BS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shawn Kelley | 6.08 | 1.5 | 1.79 | 3 | 2 |
| Blake Treinen | 7.78 | 2.14 | 1.27 | 3 | 1 |
| Koda Glover | 3.09 | 1.11 | 1.80 | 2 | 1 |
| Matt Albers | 1.62 | 0.84 | 1.07 | 2 | 1 |
(gmLI - A pitcher's average leverage index when he enters the game.)
For the time being, however, the Nationals will have to solve their bullpen woes without any outside help, as Baker said earlier this week that a trade isn't likely anytime soon.
"You can push for a trade, but there ain't nobody trading right now," Baker said. "We have to look from within right now."