On paper, there are few clubs that match up better for a trade in the lead up to the August 1st deadline than the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals. The Nats have disappointed despite high expectations the past few seasons, and seem primed to go all in this year with their team finally healthy and clicking on all cylinders.
One of Washington’s clear areas of need is the back end of their bullpen. They got some solid results from a motley crew of relievers in the first half, but aside from 35-year-old closer Jonathan Papelbon, they lack the kind of shut down arm contenders typically lean on in a postseason series.