MLB trade rumors: Nationals interested in Reds’ Raisel Iglesias

The Nationals are interested in acquiring Reds’ closer Raisel Iglesias, sources told Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Iglesias is another name the Nationals have added to their long list of possible pitchers they may want to get and make their closer for their struggling bullpen. The 27-year-old right-hander joins Pat Neshek, ex-closer Mark Melancon, David Robertson, Tony Watson, Kelvin Herrera, Roberto Osuna, Alex Colome, A.J. Ramos and Justin Wilson.

But, Iglesias could give them a big boost as well, considering how well he is pitching this year. After signing a seven-year, $27 million deal in 2014 out of Cuba, Iglesias has 15 saves in 16 opportunities for the Reds. He boasts a 1.59 ERA with 46 strikeouts against 16 walks in 39 2⁄3 innings pitched in his second season as a reliever.

Not only has Iglesias been effective, but he also has a friendly contract. He is only owed $14.5 million over the next three years before his eligible for arbitration in 2021. He is a free agent in 2022.

However, the only thing working against Iglesias is that he is not a proven closer yet compared to the other names on the Nationals’ list. In addition, the Nationals may have to give up some big prospects as well, which they may have to do as well if they want to acquire some of the other candidates on their wish list.