Editors Note: This is the latest player profile in our 40-man breakdown series that we have started here at the Nats Report. Check our other player profiles.

Zach Brzykcy

• Position: Right-Handed Relief Pitcher

• Current status: Yet to make debut

• How Acquired: Non-drafted free agent in 2020

• 2023 Grade: N/A

• 2024 Opening Day Projection: On the injured list

• 2023 stats: Did not play

2023 Analysis

Zach Brzykcy underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023. In 2022, Brzykcy was a shining example of player development with the Nationals organization, going from a depth reliever to a guy that many evaluators saw as a future closer. His rising fastball and curveball combination let him carve through the minors, going from High-A to Triple-A in 2022.

2024 outlook

Brzykcy should return to the mound sometime this summer. When he finishes rehab, he will head to Triple-A Rochester and once he experiences more success, he will be a favorite to making the major league club. When rehabbing from TJ surgery, command is usually one of the last things that come back. For a pitcher who already walked the line on of acceptable command, this may delay his impactfullness in the majors.

But once that command returns, expect Brzykcy to pitch in high leverage innings for years to come.

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