Sep 8, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Drew Storen (22) pitches during the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Drew Storen
2015 Stats: 29 saves, 3.44 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 10.96 K/9
Storen entered 2015 as the closer for the Washington Nationals on the heels of a career-best season, only to have his job stolen from him when a mid-season trade brought Jonathan Papelbon to town. It’s a move that quickly backfired, as Papelbon did little to endear himself to his new teammates and likely sealed his ticket out of town with a dust-up with Bryce Harper that got him suspended for the remainder of the season. Washington would like nothing more than to dump Papelbon this winter, but the Red Sox won’t be interested in shipping him up to Boston. If they were to look to the Nationals for bullpen help, it’s Storen that they should have their eyes on.
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While his ERA wasn’t flattering this season, Storen is only a year removed from leading the majors among relievers with 10+ saves with a 1.12 ERA. He wasn’t the full-time closer in Washington last year, but he’s done it before, having logged 43 saves in 2011. While his ERA is trending in the wrong direction, he did set career-highs with a 10.96 K/9 and 4.19 K/BB ratio.
Storen wasn’t shy about voicing his disappointment when Papelbon bumped him from the 9th inning, so it’s clear his preference is to close. He may get the job back in Washington if they manage to find someone to take Papelbon off their hands, but otherwise he may seek a trade. Boston doesn’t have an immediate opening for the role, but the uncertainty surrounding Uehara may make being his setup man more appealing than the situation he’s currently in.