One former Phillies player will be joining another former Phillies player in the same outfield really soon. And it will not be too far from the City of Philadelphia. The Washington Nationals have acquired former Phillies outfielder Ben Revere in exchange for ex-closer Drew Storen.
Jon Heyman of MLB Network broke the story last night:
Revere for storen is agreed upon
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 9, 2016
The deal highlights the change of power in Toronto.
Revere was acquired by Toronto at the July 31 trade deadline from the Phillies in exchange for relievers Jimmy Cordero and Alberto Tirado. But, the general manager who acquired Revere, Alex Anthopoulous, declined to remain in the organization when new president Mark Shapiro took over the team. The Blue Jays declined to keep David Price, and now have changed their outfield structure. The Blue Jays now have a hole in the outfield, but have added to a bullpen that was a strength in 2015.
It is unclear how the Blue Jays plan to use Storen. Storen famously lost his closer job to former Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon last season at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Storen was not happy to lose his 9th inning role and struggled down the stretch. The Nationals reportedly have looked to move both players. To make the deal, Washington will pay the difference in salary between Storen and Revere, whenever those numbers are determined for the arbitration-eligible players.
As for Washington, Revere replaces centerfielder Denard Span in center field. Span signed with the San Francisco Giants this week. The Nationals also have young outfielder Michael Taylor (not the former Phillies prospect) who showed signs of promise. But, Revere is the surer bet for the Nationals right now, and will return to center field between Jayson Werth in left and Bryce Harper in right field. But, getting rid of Storen was a priority.
And the Nationals may not have had to if it were not for the decision to take Jonathan Papelbon off of the Phillies' hands.
