The Nationals have traded reliever Drew Storen to the Blue Jays in exchange for outfielder Ben Revere, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports. James Wagner of the Washington Post adds that the Nationals will also receive a player to be named later and the Blue Jays will receive cash considerations.
Storen, 28, is entering his fourth and final year of arbitration eligibility and is projected to earn $8.8 million according to MLB Trade Rumors. The right-hander has had a tumultuous tenure with the Nationals. He started out the 2015 season in exquisite fashion, posting a 1.73 ERA through his first 38 appearances.
However, the Nationals acquired Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies near the end of July, and he usurped the closer’s role from Storen. Between Papelbon’s arrival and September 9, Storen -- pitching mostly in the eighth inning and in lower-leverage situations -- compiled a 6.75 ERA with worse strikeout and walk rates. Storen’s season ended after his September 9 appearance against the Mets, as he broke his thumb slamming his locker in anger.
It remains to be seen if Storen will assume the Blue Jays’ role as closer from Roberto Osuna, or if he will set up. The club should provide some clarity on the situation in the near future.
Revere, 27, hit a combined .306/.342/.377 between the Phillies and Blue Jays. The Phillies sent him to Toronto at the trade deadline for two minor league pitchers. Revere has two more years of arbitration eligibility left and his projected to earn $6.6 million by MLB Trade Rumors.
Michael Taylor was expected to get a shot at playing every day for the Nationals with Denard Span hitting free agency, but instead, Revere will handle center field and lead off for the Nationals.