MLB Trade Rumors: Will Nationals Trade Tyler Clippard to Texas Rangers?

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Everybody knows the Nationals have a dark, grey cloud looming over Washington as we speak. Yet the future is bright as the sun shine begins to crack through that ominous cloud. Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper will serve as reinforcements next year. This year, it’s just about getting through the rest of the season unscathed.

The team will once again be sellers at the trade deadline for one reason—It seems every contender is open to bolstering its bullpen. Thus the Nationals’ phones will be ringing off the hooks shortly.

All-Star Tyler Clippard has been fantastic and could be one of the top relievers contenders target at the deadline.

“Washington isn't selling, except for Tyler Clippard; instead, they keep asking for Michael Bourn -- thus far without success -- and had been one of several teams interested in Julio Borbon until his recent injury,” according to MLB.com Columnist Peter Gammons.

Could Texas ask for a better opportunity than to bring in Clippard to anchor the seventh and eighth innings? They have been linked to San Diego’s Heath Bell, but he will surely cost more than Clippard despite being a rental.

If Texas could finagle a deal for Burbon, we could only consider it a heist. Burbon has a ton of potential, but he has failed to meet expectations. The Rangers could look elsewhere for a center fielder, such as Rajai Davis or Corey Patterson in Toronto, or perhaps even swoop in to steal Michael Bourn as I suggested earlier today.

Clippard has been lights out in Washington after beginning his career as a starting pitcher in New York with the Yankees. He is 1-0 on the season with 24 holds, 1.82 ERA, .83 WHIP and 68 K’s.

He is clearly in his comfort zone as a late-game reliever. Clippard is the missing piece to this perfectly constructed Championship contending puzzle in Texas. The Rangers desperately need to sure up the bullpen in front of superstar closer Neftali Feliz.

Washington should capitalize now on Clippard’s breakout season because we often see relievers crumble after impressing. That is simply the nature of the game.

Burbon is a career .284 hitter with great range in the outfield and spectacular speed on the base paths. Last year he stole 40 bases and hit seven triples to go along with 73 RBI and 100 runs scored. The potential is there and he would combine with Roger Bernadina to make a great center field rotation.

We may just have the blueprint for a potential deal in two weeks!

-Brandon Galvin is a Bleacher Report Featured Columnist and Syndicated Writer. Follow Him on Twitter.

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