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Rumor: White Sox, Nationals Still Discussing David Robertson Trade

By Etheria Modacure

Jul 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher David Robertson (30) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Chicago, 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher David Robertson (30) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Chicago, 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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White Sox, Nationals reportedly still discussing possible David Robertson trade. Could the closer be sent to Washington D.C. before start of Spring Training?

The Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals are reportedly still discussing a trade of David Robertson according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. Robertson is an intriguing trade candidate and could be traded before start of Spring Training.

With the White Sox approaching Spring Training, they still have some valuable trade assets on the team. One of those assets is Robertson, who is still under team control for the next two seasons. Although he isn’t regarded as an elite closer, Robertson has saved more than 34 games in each of his two seasons on the South Side.

The White Sox could still hold onto Robertson in the hopes he increases his trade value before the trading deadline. However, Robertson’s current trade value might not be so high as he is owed $25 million over the next two seasons. With such a hefty price tag, teams could shy away from giving up top prospects for the closer.

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While the Nationals could certainly use Robertson as their closer, they’re more than likely not going to part with anymore top prospects. The Nationals reportedly wanted both Adam Eaton and Robertson in a trade, but settled with getting just Eaton during the Winter Meetings. Washington desperately needs a closer with the loss of Mark Melancon to free agency.

According to Rosenthal, the Nationals are reluctant to take on the entirety of Robertson’s $25 million salary in a trade. This could certainly lower the trade value for Robertson as mentioned earlier. The White Sox don’t need Robertson on a team that won’t be contending this season, but they shouldn’t trade him for nothing.

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If the White Sox are able to trade Robertson for a pair of prospects, they can possibly eat some of his contract. The Nationals clearly need a closer, but they’re wise to not overpay for Robertson. It will be up to Rick Hahn to get the best return possible for Robertson.

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