WASHINGTON -- The Nationals are still in the hunt for a closer with the start of a new calendar year. They missed out on top free-agent options like Mark Melancon and Kenley Jansen, but they have remained persistent in their search for a relief ace.
Washington has players on its roster that could be capable of filling in, and the club has maintained that it believes those players can succeed in the role. However, the Nationals' continued search for a closer also signals they would be more comfortable acquiring someone with experience.