The Washington Nationals have acquired Jonathan Papelbon from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for right-handed pitcher Nick Pivetta, the teams announced. The Nationals have also signed the closer though the 206 season. Both parties agreed to restructure the vesting option on Papelbon contract and exercise the option.
Papelbon, 34, has been one of the bright spots for the Phillies this season, posting a 1.39 ERA in 39 2/3 innings. The six-time All-Star has 17 saves on the season and now holds the record for the most saves in Phillies franchise history with 123.
Drew Storen, the Nationals closer until now, has been just as good if not better than Papelbon the past two seasons. The righty has posted a 1.73 ERA and 29 saves in 36 1/3 innings in 2015. The success of Storen makes this trade a surprising one, but you can never have enough solid relievers. This move should take stress off of the Nats great rotation during the postseason and give them a shutdown set-up man and closer.
The Phillies added 22-year-old Nick Pivetta, who’s been solid this season in High-A and Double-A ball. The 6’5″ Canada native has posted a 3.02 ERA in 101 1/3 innings this season to go with a WHIP of 1.253.
This is a great trade for both teams as the Phillies got rid of Papelbon salary and added a prospect in the process, while the Nats added more depth to their bullpen.
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