Since the initial rumor rolled out, more MLB insiders have reported about the Washington Nationals’ interest in Cincinnati Reds closer Raisel Iglesias. The 27-year-old is having a terrific season in his first year as a closer. Needless to say, this success has piqued Washington’s interest.
The Reds are playing losing baseball and are sure to sell off at least a few pieces. Iglesias is one that has general managers drooling due to his talents and affordable contract. He’s locked up through 2020 with a salary never exceeding $6 million in any given year. No matter how well he performs, the contract will not go up in an arbitration hearing.
The asking price for Iglesias is higher than most. Unlike David Robertson, there’s no large salary to dump. Iglesias is a Nationals trade target where talent is the only factor. As such, it’s going to require them to give up a lot more to get him.
Cincinnati has many needs within the organization. Starting pitching is one of the biggest. Many of the prospects they acquired for Johnny Cueto two years ago have not panned out. This would mean Erick Fedde is the player the Reds could want most.
Finding the right match of prospects is a challenge, but not the biggest one the Nationals face. It’s the competition for Iglesias’ services which will prove most difficult.
The Nationals are not the only team looking for relief help. Everyone from the New York Yankees to the surprising first-place Milwaukee Brewers are in the market for pitching.
The Nationals, while the most desperate, are far from the most elite in terms of minor league talent to trade. According to MLB.com, only three of their prospects are top 100 worthy.
In order to pry away Iglesias, it’s going to take a strong haul. Washington would have to bite more than a few bullets. The Reds won’t let the Nationals take Iglesias away quietly without surrendering some top talent.
Iglesias is hardly one-stop solution for the Nationals and their bullpen woes. His limited experience as a closer is somewhat worrisome. At any point his successful run this season could turn the other direction.
In terms of likelihood, Iglesias ranks very low on the list of possible trade pieces the Nationals acquire. If the Reds are serious about trading him, they will get a much better deal from another squad.
Tim Boyle is a Staff Writer for Outside Pitch MLB covering the Washington Nationals. Follow Tim on Twitter.
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