It’s trade season, folks.
The Nats bullpen has been terrible, and acquiring two high leverage relievers would go a long way towards shoring up their relief crew.
Ryan Madson being traded has felt like somewhat of an inevitability after such a solid first half. The out of contention A’s don’t have a large need for a guy like Madson, who is unlikely to be a contributor to the next winning A’s team.
Doolittle would be tougher loss, both in terms of his future prospects to this team and his awesome personality. The lefty is under club control for another three seasons on a remarkably club friendly deal.