Nationals acquire two-time All-Star closer Kelvin Herrera from Royals
Steve Gardner
The Washington Nationals have kicked off the trade deadline season early, acquiring closer Kelvin Herrera from the Kansas City Royals for three minor league prospects.
A day after putting reliever Brandon Kintzler on the disabled list, the Nats made the move for the two-time All-Star Herrera, who has totaled 52 saves over the past 2½ seasons with the Royals.
The Nationals made the announcement official during their game against the New York Yankees.
The hard-throwing Herrera has been outstanding in 2018, posting a 1.05 ERA and converting 14 of 16 save opportunities.
In return, the Nationals are sending High -A outfielder Blake Perkins, Class AA third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez and 17-year-old right-handed pitcher Yohanse Morel to Kansas City.
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According to Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports, the Nationals are also picking up the remaining $3.4 million remaining on Herrera's contract for this year. He will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Herrera will likely slide into the eighth-inning role with the Nats behind closer Sean Doolittle.
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