The Washington Nationals have clear needs as the trade deadline approaches. Injuries to the rotation and a lack of offensive production out of the catcher spot have thrust the Nats into the trade market seeking an additional starter and catcher who would bolster their lineup.
On Monday evening, the Nats made a trade. It didn’t fill one of the aforementioned holes on the roster, but rather added depth to a position of strength while still keeping enough pieces in the farm system to focus on that list of needs with the trade deadline still six weeks away.
The Nationals acquired 28-year-old closer Kelvin Herrera from the Kansas City Royals for third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez, outfielder Blake Perkins and right-handed pitcher Yohanse Morel.