The Washington Nationals may be ready to spend on one of the remaining big-name free agents.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Nationals are interested in closer Craig Kimbrel to top off their bullpen, and may be willing to give him the longer deal he seeks.
The Nationals would have to go over the luxury tax threshold to add Kimbrel, and would also cost them their third- and sixth-round draft picks as compensation. However, he would head a powerhouse bullpen that also includes Sean Doolittle, Kyle Barraclough, and Trevor Rosenthal, all of whom have previous closing experience as well.
Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that Kimbrel was looking for a lengthy deal that is certainly risky for a player who turns 31 in May. Washington, however, appears motivated to push for the division, and adding Kimbrel would be an option that very much solidifies the back end of their bullpen and strengthens their credentials.
