The Nationals are reportedly nearing a deal with former Cardinals closer Trevor Rosenthal, according to Bob Nightengale.
The deal is pending a physical. Rosenthal is coming off Aug. 2017 Tommy John surgery and was not on a big-league roster in 2018.
#Nats indeed are finalizing a deal with free agent reliever Trevor Rosenthal, per source. Still needs to pass a physical, so may be a few days til it’s official. (First reported by @BNightengale)
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman)
October 31, 2018 According to Jamal Collier, Rosenthal held a showcase for clubs last week, where he reportedly touched triple digits. His fastball velocity pre-Tommy John reached up to 98.8, per FanGraphs.
The 28-year-old right-handed reliever was previously an elite closer in St. Louis, amassing 121 saves with a 3.01 ERA between 2013 and 2017.
Before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2017, newly signed #Nats reliever Trevor Rosenthal was elite for St. Louis. From 2013-17, only six pitchers racked up 100+ saves and 400+ strikeouts.Aroldis ChapmanKenley JansenCraig KimbrelCody AllenDavid RobertsonRosenthal
— Matt Weyrich (@MattWeyrich)
October 31, 2018 GM Mike Rizzo has begun reconstructing the Nationals bullpen early. The club picked up closer Sean Doolittle's 2019 option on Monday, the first official day of free agency. And in early October, Washington traded for right-handed reliever Kyle Barraclough from Miami.
