The Washington Nationals have been one of the most exciting teams in baseball this season, rising from the grave on May 24 to climb out of the NL East basement and cement themselves as playoff contender ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
But the team’s Achilles heel has remained its relief corps all season. Washington’s 6.02 bullpen ERA is the highest mark in the majors this season and ranks behind only the 2007 Tampa Bay Rays (6.16) for the second-worst reliever ERA since 1953.
With the trade deadline just two days away, the Nationals’ front office is tasked with acquiring reinforcements that will beef up a roster that’s otherwise stacked from top to bottom.