David Robertson And Nate Jones For Victor Robles
The White Sox have the best bullpen ERA in baseball, while the Nationals, while contenders, sit in 20th in the same category. In today’s MLB, the value of the bullpen has never been higher. Flipping just one of Robertson or Jones would probably not be enough to bring back No. 5 overall prospect Victor Robles. But packaging both of them together could be a different story.
The Nationals already have a stacked outfield containing Jason Werth, Adam Eaton and Bryce Harper. Obviously Eaton went down with an ACL injury, but he should return next season 100%. Robles is not coming up this season anyways, and at just 19-years-old, he should not be ready until late 2018.
The Nationals window to win now is wide open. How long it stays that way is anyone’s guess. By adding both Robertson and Jones, the Nationals could turn their biggest weakness into a strength. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo may be skeptical to deal with the White Sox after Rick Hahn got away with murder in the Adam Eaton deal. This trade is different though. It’s unfortunate that Eaton tore his ACL, but this trade will legitimately strengthen a position of need for both teams. The Nationals get two great bullpen arms and that much closer to a World Series, while the White Sox shore up their outfield depth with one of the best in the minors in Robles.
