The Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics have been frequent trade partners in the past, and yesterday they got together again on yet another trade.

The Nats acquired shortstop far apart on contract negotiations and with Escobar under contract for another two seasons at just $12 million total, Rizzo is giving himself a backup plan in case Desmond decides to sign elsewhere -- or if Rizzo trades Desmond at some point this season. Escobar can also serve as a bridge to eventual shortstop Trea Turner, a highly touted prospect Rizzo acquired in a trade in December. However, with the Nats expected to be in contention this season, did this move hurt their chances of winning it all?

What Escobar Brings to the Table

Despite a Baseball Reference.) Even if Escobar hits closer to his 2014 line of .258/.324/.340, he will still be producing better than most seven or eight hitters in a lineup -- and likely better than whatever Espinosa could give the Nats.

Always considered an above-average defender, Escobar had a horrid defensive season last year. After never posting a negative score for defensive runs saved (DRS) at the shortstop position, Escobar had a DRS of -24 in 2014.

It’s possible that Escobar wasn’t himself as he battled shoulder and knee injuries, but he’s also entering the season at 32 years old, so the question of whether his game is in decline is worth asking. Perhaps a move to second base will help mask any defensive deficiencies, or simply entering the season healthy will be all Escobar needs to return to his old form. He’s certainly an upgrade over Espinosa as an overall player, but there’s no question the Nats’ bullpen took a hit with this trade.

As Consistent as They Come

Since becoming a regular reliever in 2009, Clippard has been a fixture in the Nationals’ bullpen, mostly as a setup man, and posted impressive numbers. Among relief pitchers, Clippard has thrown more innings (453.2) and struck out more batters (522) than anyone else from 2009 to 2014. His 2.64 earned run average (ERA) over this same time span is good for 26th-best, and his Wins Above Replacement (fWAR) of 6.0 is good for 17th-best. Most relievers with a higher combined fWAR than he has are closers, and just three other relievers with a higher fWAR have fewer total saves than Clippard.

It’s difficult to post a high fWAR as a reliever (besides January 15, 2015

These numbers are even more impressive considering they came from a volatile position known for its year-to-year turnover, yet Clippard was able to repeat his solid production year in and year out. Losing him is a blow to the Nationals’ bullpen, one that was dominant last season as they were top-four in ERA, fWAR, and Fielder Independent Pitching (FIP), numbers that Clippard helped boost.

Who Won the Trade?

This wasn’t an obvious one-sided deal, where one team clearly came away as the victor.

Both teams received upgrades to respective positions, while also adding some security. The Nats have the full-time second baseman they need, while also finding a temporary replacement for Desmond next season, and took some money off of their books. With Clippard now on the roster, the A’s have a quality setup man for Sean Doolittle. Clippard is also capable of closing out games -- if Doolittle falters in his second season as their closer.

This is just another move indicating the A’s aren’t giving up on the 2015 season, something fellow numberFire contributor John Stolnis showed as a result of their recent offseason moves.

However, if Nationals' bullpen struggles this season, Rizzo may regret this trade, even if it gave him some flexibility and saved the team money. For now though, it was a move that needed to be made for a team with World Series aspirations and an obvious hole at second base.