The Washington Nationals aren’t going to move Jonathan Papelbon. At least that’s what they’re saying through back channels.
The Washington Post reported Wednesday that the Nationals don’t intend to trade the polarizing closer, despite the fact he got into a dugout altercation with star outfielder Bryce Harper during a late-season game. Additionally, the Nationals plan on keeping reliever Drew Storen and entering the season with both he and Papelbon in the back of the bullpen.
On the Harper front, the report states Harper has already reached out to Papelbon, and the two have seemed to squash any beef they might have.
“Papelbon and Harper are fine together,” someone inside the Nationals told The Washington Post.. “Harp just wants to win. All he cares about is that we have a 45-save relief pitcher who’s going to help us.”
Additionally, the Nationals don’t see an issue with keeping Papelbon and Storen, two pitchers who both have been closers during their career. According to the story, those two are expected to be able to “play nice together.”
Of course, it’s entirely possible the Nationals are just saying this in order to increase leverage in any sort of trade they might look to make. If the Nationals actually wanted to trade Papelbon, it’s in their best interest to make it look like they want to keep him and hopefully drive up the price.
Papelbon was just OK in 22 games with the Nationals after being traded by the Phillies at the trade deadline. He saved seven games, striking out 16 in 23 2/3 innings, though he did allow four home runs. He’s owed $11 million for the 2016 season.
Thumbnail photo via Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports Images
