Nationals Land Kevlin Herrera

The Washington Nationals looking to upgrade their bullpen for the late innings found help on Monday evening. They acquired Kelvin Herrera a two-time All-Star closer from the Kansas City Royals for prospects 3B Kelvin Gutierrez, OF Blake Perkins, and RHP Yohanse Morel. Herrera, 28, helped the Royals win the 2015 World Series. In 2015, he has an era of 2.71 in 69.2 innings.

Herrera, became the Royals closer in 2017, after they trade Wade Davis to the Chicago Cubs during the offseason. His first season as a closer didn't go too well. He finished the season with an era of 4.25 with 26 saves. Herrera in 2018, has proven last season was an off year. So far he has an era of 1.05 with 14 saves, in 25.2 innings. He joins a Washington Nationals bullpen that already has Sean Doolittle, Ryan Madson, Brandon Kintzler (currently on the disabled list), Shawn Kelley, and Tim Collins (he knows Herrera from their time with the Royals).

Over eight seasons in the MLB, Herrera's career stats are: 23 wins, 27 losses, 2.75 era, 57 saves, 441.1 innings, 438 strikeouts, 138 walks, and a whip of 1.13. Herrera can become a free agent after the season, unless the Nationals re-sign him.

As for both prospects heading to the Royals, both Gutierrez, and Perkins were ranked in the Nationals top 20. Gutierrez ranked no.10, and Perkins ranked no.11. Gutierrez, 23, currently is playing in Double-A, on the season he's hitting .274, with 5 home runs, 26 rbi's, and 10 stolen bases.

Perkins, 21, is currently in advanced A, he's hitting .234, with 1 home run, 21 rbi's, and 12 stolen bases.

Moreal, 17, is in his first season. He's pitching in the Dominican Summer League. He's made 1 start, with an era of 8.10, 3.1 innings, 5 strikeouts, and 1 walk.

Good move for both teams. The Royals upgrade their farm, and the Nationals add bullpen help to their roster.