The MLB Playoffs are not even half over, and we’re already looking at the first moves of what promises to be an eventful winter.
For the downtrodden Miami Marlins, that hopefully includes adding international sensation Victor Victor Mesa. On Wednesday, they might have taken the next step to that becoming a reality.
The Marlins announced that they have traded closer Kyle Barraclough to the division-rival Washington Nationals for international bonus pool money.
The Miami Marlins today acquired International Bonus Pool money from the Washington Nationals in exchange for right-handed pitcher Kyle Barraclough.
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) October 10, 2018
Not only does this increase Miami’s chances of landing the Cuban star, it tells us a story of an organization that’s going all in when it comes to that possibility.
Barraclough, 28, has been a mainstay in the Marlins’ bullpen for the past four seasons, pitching to a combined 15-12 record with a 3.21 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 227 appearances during that span. He took over the closer role when Miami traded the recently-retired Brad Ziegler to Arizona during the summer.
This move gives Washington options heading into the winter. It has a team option for closer Sean Doolittle’s contract and could look to use the financial resources elsewhere. Though, Barraclough was brought in to likely be a set-up man more than anything else.