Jonathan Papelbon to Nationals: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

The Philadelphia Phillies traded closer Jonathan Papelbon to the Washington Nationals on Tuesday in exchange for Double-A prospect Nick Pivetta.

The Nationals announced the deal on Twitter, adding they agreed to Papelbon's 2016 contract.  

Despite enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, Papelbon made it clear in recent weeks that he wanted out of Philadelphia. The Phillies quickly fell out of the playoff race as expected and own the league's worst run differential. 

That didn't sit well with the 34-year-old reliever. He publicly stated his hope of landing with a more competitive team for the stretch run, as Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com noted:

"

The front office knows where my heart is and where my mind is. And that's to be with a contending ball club. The ball is in their court, so to speak.

I think everybody knows where I'm at. I've always been straightforward that I want to go play for a contender and I'm not going to shy away from it. I feel like that's my right and my prerogative to have that opportunity and, you know, it's in their hands.

"

Now, Papelbon's deal is a bit more manageable, especially since he's continued to pitch at a high level. His strikeout rate dropped over the last three years—he struck out nearly 13 batters per nine innings at his peak—but his ERA and WHIP have remained rock-solid.  

In 37 games this season, the six-time All-Star has a 1.59 ERA with 40 strikeouts and eight walks over 39.2 innings. 

Papelbon can also fall back on some playoff experience gained during his time with the Boston Red Sox. He sports a 1.00 ERA and 0.82 WHIP over 18 games with 23 strikeouts in 27 innings.

That said, moving him is the right approach for the Phillies. They are caught in the middle of a transition period with several big contracts still on the books as they look to rebuild the roster. Keeping him while losing so many games wouldn't be maximizing an asset. Joel Sherman of the New York Post spoke with a scout who believes Pivetta projects to be a fourth starter.

Papelbon gets his wish to leave the struggling club as well. He'll provide a much-needed boost to the team's bullpen and should find himself in far more high-pressure situations, which is something a player with his obvious competitive fire tends to enjoy.

The Nationals did have Drew Storen closing games. He was effective in the role with 29 saves, a 1.73 ERA, 44 strikeouts and nine walks over 36.1 innings. Papelbon doesn't address a specific need for the team, but he does undoubtedly improve the bullpen. 

So it's a trade that makes sense for both sides and gives Papelbon a chance to feel the adrenaline rush of coming into a game that matters again. At least on the surface, it's a victory for everybody involved.