The deal was announced late Friday night.
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The Washington Nationals moved quickly in replacing departed outfielder Denard Span, trading former closer Drew Storen to the Toronto Blue Jays for outfielder Ben Revere.
The deal also requires the Jays to send a player to be named later to the Nationals, while the Nationals will send an undisclosed amount of cash Toronto’s way.
Storen, 28, served as the Nats’ closer last season prior to their trade for veteran Jonathan Papelbon. After one poor outing during the Nationals’ September collapse, the right-hander slammed his locker shut in frustration and broke his thumb in the process, ending his season – and, eventually, his Nationals career.
He was the Nationals’ first-round draft pick in 2009 and reached the majors the next year.
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The teams each filled a pressing need in the one-for-one swap. The Blue Jays have been searching for bullpen help after struggling to end the regular season and having a rough time in the playoffs with their current pen. If they are unable to find a suitable replacement, they may decide to roll with Michael Taylor in center field, though they prefer to keep him as a fourth outfielder. In Revere, they gain a good clubhouse fit with leadoff capabilities, and a player they will control for two seasons before he hits free agency. Storen’s contract runs through 2016, meaning he will be a free agent after next season.
