Washington Nationals Trade Rumors 2016: Nats Trade Drew Storen, Get Ben Revere
The Washington Nationals initiated a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, sending reliever Drew Storen for outfielder Ben Revere and a player who is to be named later on. This deal is actually a move to please Storen who asked to be traded after losing his closer role the moment the Nationals got Jonathan Papelbon from Philadelphia in a separate trade earlier in the year.
The 28-year-old Storen couldn't compete with Papelbon, producing 1.73 ERA while converting 29 save chances. He was then relegated to the eight-inning role with the new arrival and mightily struggled after that.
He ended the season with a 3.44 ERA but couldn't produce another save. The frustration caused by the diminished role and bad performance took the boiling point in September when he injured his right thumb after slamming his locker.
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With the trade, it certainly looked like the Nats are happy with Papelbon, at least in the meantime. In return, they're getting a versatile and athletic outfielder in Ben Revere, and the second player, who is still unnamed, might be an intriguing addition, too.
With Revere, the Nats also get a left-handed hitter at the top of their lineup. Storen, for his part, will give the Blue Jays a definite upgrade in the bullpen. The good thing with him in Toronto is that he'll finally have the playing time and role he wants.
Because Revere is an outfielder, it is highly possible that Michael Taylor will be moved to fourth. Revere is an experienced center fielder, while Taylor is a remarkable defensive player in the left field. Together with Bryce Harper, Washington will have a very formidable defensive outfield next season. With Denard Span leaving, the 27-year-old looks to be a more than enough replacement for him, something the team hoped they would find before the season begins.
