In the month of July, Washington Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon has surrendered seven runs on nine hits in only 7.2 innings, but a few bullpen hiccups won’t seem to rock the boat in the nation’s capital.
Despite Washington’s prior interest in acquiring Aroldis Chapman, the Nationals remain reluctant to part ways with top prospects for Yankees current closer Andrew Miller, according to ESPN’s Jayson Stark.
Nationals still in bullpen market, but balking at including Giolito, Turner, Lopez in any deals, rival clubs report.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 26, 2016
Per Stark’s report on ESPN:
The Nationals were in on Aroldis Chapman right to the end. Now, according to clubs talking with them, they are turning their attention to other big-name closers. Andrew Miller, Wade Davis and David Robertson are on the Nats’ radar, but the price might be too hefty, especially for Miller or Davis, neither of whom is a lock to be moved before the deadline.
Other teams say that, at least so far, Washington hasn’t been willing to discuss any of its three most highly regarded young players: Lucas Giolito, Trea Turner and Reynaldo Lopez. Based on what the Yankees and Royals are looking for to convince themselves it’s worth dealing Miller and Davis, that would take the Nationals out of the running for either.
On July 22, Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post reported that Washington was planning to heavily push for Chapman prior to the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline, but much like the latest report, the Nationals’ stance on top pitching prospects Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez hasn’t changed, placing Washington behind in the potential Miller sweepstakes.
Miller, 31, has struck out 77 hitters in 45. 1 innings this season.
