Blue Jays acquire Drew Storen from Nationals for Ben Revere

The Nationals traded Drew Storen to the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday in exchange for Ben Revere, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports. The Nationals will also receive a player to be named later, and the Blue Jays get "cash considerations" in the deal.

The Nationals continue to search for a replacement in center field now that Denard Span has officially departed and signed with the Nationals.

"All I'm going to say is that I'm aware of the move, and I've talked to Mike about it and talked to my agent and we've had some ongoing discussions, and until those have progressed, I'm going to leave it at that and no comment for now", Storen told ESPN.

In response to a question about who might wind up being the team's eighth-inning setup man, Rizzo mentioned three players he added this offseason - Shawn Kelley, Yusmeiro Petit and Trevor Gott - and two relievers who were with the team last season, Blake Treinen and Felipe Rivero.

After acquiring Jonathan Papelbon last season, and demoting Drew Storen yet again, they had to choose one, neither or to retain both and hope it works.

Storen, 28, was a 10th overall pick by the Nationals in 2009.

Revere, 27, was acquired by Toronto from the Phillies on July 31 as the club pushed for the post-season.

Roberto Osuna led the Blue Jays with 20 saves past year. His best season for saves came in his second season in 2011 when he notched 43.

The Toronto Blue Jays made a move to bolster their bullpen and undo a potential logjam in the outfield.

Both Revere and Storen are eligible for salary arbitration this winter. He finished saving 29 games in 34 chances last season, totaling a 3.44 ERA while striking out 67 and walking 16. He provided plenty of offence in the stretch drive and tied Kevin Pillar and Jose Bautista for most hits, 12, for the Jays in the post-season.

Revere is quick but does not have a strong outfield arm nor outstanding power. Storen, who entered in the top of the ninth with a clean save opportunity, gave up four earned runs, sealing the Nationals' demise in a 98-win season. Should Taylor assert his way into the starting center field role, Revere will likely spell him in center field and split left field duties with the veteran Jayson Werth, as 2015 National League MVP Bryce Harper has a lock on right field, barring injury or suspension.