It is well known that Washington Nationals request struggle soonBut are they ready to open their pocketbooks to do it?

Jim Bowden Athletic he recently gave his overview of the top free agents available this summer, and surprisingly enough, the Nationals were linked to them. San Diego Padres Flamethrower Tanner Scott.

“Scott will be the best left-handed, high-leverage reliever on the free agent market. He can be deployed at any time and in any role (closer, set-up, matchup) to get left- or right-handed hitters out,” Bowden said. “He had a successful year, posting a 1.75 ERA with 22 saves in 72 games. Hitters hit .134 against his four-seam fastball and .231 against his strikeout slider.”

The reliever is also expected to sign a significant four-year, $60 million contract in free agency. That would nearly double the next highest contract on their books, which is actually their current close (though still not as much as Stephen Strasburg expected).

Kyle Finnegan took on the closing role He played for the Nationals last season and did well enough that he wasn’t a huge red flag to replace in free agency.

In fact, Finnegan only performed well in save situations a year ago.

Over 22 appearances with no saves, he posted a 7.08 ERA and struck out just 22 batters with 11 strikeouts. He put up a 2.08 ERA in 43 save chances and had 38 strikeouts with 13 walks.

He’s under contract for one more season, so signing another season might be a little confusing, especially when the guy you have has done such a good job in that role.

The biggest argument to be made is that you can use Scott the same way the Padres did. Have Finnegan be the elite setup man this season and switch roles next season.

no more $15 million payment priority to the installer, Houston Astros We currently have three separate relievers making at least $11.5 million.

Another option is to give the keys to the closer role to Scott and then Trading Finnegan on loan to another contender. Adding more assets elsewhere while getting a longer-term upgrade in a key target role.

Finally, if they’re serious about competingIf the opportunity arises, they should probably bring in a guy as talented as Scott. Figure out the details later.