Washington Nationals reportedly acquire Jonathan Papelbon from Phillies for RHP Nick Pivetta

With some segments of the fanbase up in arms about the possibility of the Washington Nationals acquiring veteran reliever Jonathan Papelbon from the hated Philadelphia Phillies and what it might mean for incumbent closer Drew Storen, the Nationals and Phillies were reportedly making steady progress on a difficult deal all day:

Source: Deal to bring Jonathan Papelbon to Nationals is nearing completion.

— Barry Svrluga (@barrysvrluga) July 28, 2015

The Nationals have been rumored to be in the market for a late-inning option for several weeks now as they seek to bolster their bullpen.

There was enough chatter that GM Mike Rizzo even joked about it in an MLB Network Radio interview last week when he was asked if the Nationals were, in fact, in the market for bullpen help?

Papelbon will be a Nat. He's been told he will close, with drew storen demoted to set-up role despite brilliant season.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 28, 2015

"That seems to be the popular opinion, that our bullpen needs more depth," Rizzo said, though he noted immediately afterward that the relievers in the Nats' bullpen have performed admirably this season.

Source: Under terms of trade agreement, if completed, Papelbon will close for #Nationals and be signed for 2016.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2015

Source: Under terms of trade agreement, if completed, Papelbon will close for #Nationals and be signed for 2016.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2015

Still the rumors persisted. Though it hasn't yet been confirmed by the Nationals, several sources are saying it's a done deal:

Confirming: #Phillies getting Double A RHP Nick Pivetta for Papelbon.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2015

Source: Papelbon guarantee for ’16 with #Nationals will indeed be $11M, bringing total value of deal to $61,000,058. Cinco Ocho rides again.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2015

The #Phillies get Pivetta from #Nats, who has solid upside

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 28, 2015

The Washington Nationals have reportedly acquired Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies in return for minor league right-hander Nick Pivetta, a 22-year-old, 2013 4th Round pick out of New Mexico Junior College and Victoria, British Columbia who's pitched at High-A and Double-A in the Nats' system this year, going (7-4) in 15 games, 14 starts at Potomac with a 2.29 ERA in 86 ⅓ innings pitched and (0-2) in three starts for the Harrisburg Senators, over which he's put up a 7.20 ERA in 15 IP.

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Photo © Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

So far this season, Papelbon, the 34-year-old, 11-year veteran closer has put up a 1.59 ERA, a 2.94 FIP, eight walks (1.82 BB/9), 40 Ks (9.08 K/9), a .269/.338/.388 line vs left-handed hitters, and a .159/.212/.275 vs right-handed hitters in 39 ⅔ innings pitched while going 17 for 17 in save situations.

If the reports tonight are accurate, he'll supplant Drew Storen in the closer's role, in spite of the fact that Storen has 29 saves, two blown saves, a 1.73 ERA, a 1.91 FIP, nine walks (2.23 BB/9) and 44 Ks (10.90 K/9) in 36 ⅓ IP, holding right-handed hitters to a .089/.177/.161 line and left-handers to a .299/.341/.316 line.

So, NatsTown... how do you like your new closer? [ducks]