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After Washington Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo informed the Washington Post’s Chelsea Janes that the Nats would not be trading Bryce Harper in advance of today’s 4:00 PM EDT non-waiver trade deadline, there were reports that there still might be some moves, especially involving some of the relievers in the nation’s capital.
According to reports this afternoon, with The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal first that we saw, the Nationals have traded reliever Brandon Kintzler to the Chicago Cubs.
Kintzler, 33, has posted a 3.59 ERA, with a 3.44 FIP, 13 walks (2.74 BB/9), 31 Ks (6.54 K/9), and a .252/.322/.367 line against in 42 2⁄3 innings pitched this season, after the Nationals acquired him from Minnesota in return for minor league pitcher Tyler Watson.
The right-hander tested free agency last winter before returning to D.C. on a 2-year/$10M deal that pays him $5M this season with a $10M club option or $5M player option for the 2019 campaign.
#Cubs close to getting Brandon Kintzler from #Nationals, sources tell me and @sahadevsharma.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2018
#Cubs have acquired Brandon Kintzler from #Nats, source confirms @Ken_Rosenthal and @sahadevsharma report. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2018
According to subsequent reports, the Nationals will receive an as-yet unidentified minor league prospect in return. More information when it’s available...
#nats are getting RHp Jhon Romero for Kintzler #cubs
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2018
Jhon Romero, 23, is a Colombian-born right-hander who’s put up a 3.27 ERA, a 2.61 FIP, 17 walks (3.48 BB/9), and 57 Ks (11.66 K/9) in 44 IP at High-A in the Cubs’ system.