Nationals trade reliever Storen to Blue Jays for OF Revere

Drew Storen’s Nationals tenure ended Friday night, as the Nationals traded him to the Jays for outfielder Ben Revere.

With the Storen-Revere swap, each team looks to have filled a pressing need on their rosters.

The Indiana native, who alternates a mid-90s fastball with a strikeout slider, has spent his entire six-year career in Washington, where he amassed a solid 3.02 ERA. He will compete with Roberto Osuna for the ninth inning duties this spring. However, he blew a save chance in Game 5 of the 2012 NLDS versus the St. Louis Cardinals, ending their postseason hopes.

In 2014 the six-foot-one righty posted a 1.12 ERA to lead all National League relievers.

But his 2015 ended on a rough note.

Storen, 28, served as the Nats’ closer last season prior to their trade for veteran Jonathan Papelbon. After surrendering a home run to Yoenis Cespedes in an early September game with the division rival New York Mets, Storen ended his season when he punched a locker, breaking his thumb.

Ray offers his take on the fantasy impact of the Nationals-Blue Jays trade.

The Nationals have even more work to do on their bullpen, but the acquisition of Revere gives them a true leadoff man in center field – something that will make filling out the lineup card much easier for manager Dusty Baker. He hit a combined.307/.383/.421 at Class AA and AAA last season, but struggled at the plate in 103 at-bats with Toronto. He is considered an above-average defender and base stealer.

Apparently the Blue Jays are sending another player to the Nationals along with Ben Revere, but that has yet to be announced.

Last season, Revere stole 31 bases between the Jays and Phillies, his fourth season with 30 or more.

Storen will be a free agent after 2016, and Revere after 2017.