Nationals nab Brandon Kintzler, complete bullpen makeover at MLB trade deadline

The Washington Nationals completed a much-needed and impressive bullpen makeover at the very last second.

The Minnesota Twins traded their closer ­– right-hander Brandon Kintzler – to the Nationals, as the 2017 All-Star joins former Oakland Athletics Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle as crucial pickups for manager Dusty Baker.

This deal only cost the Nationals low Class A left-hander Tyler Watson, a 20-year-old drafted in the 34th round in 2015, according to the Washington Post.

Kintzler is perhaps one of the most underrated pickups at the deadline, especially for a Nationals bullpen that still ranks last in the National League with a 5.07 ERA.

Kintzler has posted a 2.78 ERA in 45 1/3 innings this season, striking out 27 and accumulating 28 saves all by forcing ground balls 53.9% of the time.

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While Kintzler may be a rental arm – he is set to become a free agent in 2018 – he’ll be a valuable one at that.

Gallery: MLB trade deadline tracker