Free Agency & The Nationals Bullpen
The Nats Report takes a closer look at some of the free-agent options that the Washington Nationals should seek to help the Bullpen.
It wouldn't be an offseason in Washington Nationals land if we didn't talk about the Bullpen and what the Nationals need to do to get through another season. It feels like Groundhogs Day every year. It's getting annoying that the Nationals brass can't figure this out and develop a long-term solution, but we digress.
But let's set aside the long term solution and think about what the Nationals can do for the upcoming season.
Free Agents: Setup Man and Relievers
Even though the Nationals have a young crop of up-and-coming relievers in the pipeline, it would be smart for the Nationals to focus on getting a proven middle reliever or even a setup man. While researching, we noticed a fascinating reliever that will be available this offseason: Liam Hendriks.
Liam Hendriks has transformed himself into one of the very best relievers in the major leagues over two years. Hendriks stats include a 1.79 ERA, a 13.1k/9 rate, and 39 saves in a total of 99 appearances.
Bringing back Blake Treinen might be another exciting option that the Nationals should consider this off-season. Since getting traded to the Athletics, he has become a great receiver and has improved quite slightly. In the first half of the 2018 season, Treinen had a 5-1 record with an 0.79 ERA and 23 saves. Treinen's record earned him an appearance in that year's All-Star Game, and he finished the season with a 9-2 record, 38 saves (3rd in the AL), and he had an 0.78 ERA.
Other free agents in the reliever market include Shane Greene, Alex Colome, and Jeremy Jeffress.
Free Agents: Closers
In this year's free-agent class, there are only two closers on the market this year younger than 30: Keone Kela(28) and Roberto Osuna (26). Therefore, it might make sense that the Nationals bring back Sean Doolittle on a short term contract and a reduced salary.
Doolittle is familiar with the Nationals staff and culture and, obviously, a fan favorite. The only concern that the Nationals should be aware of when talking about his contract is his injury history.
There are some other possibilities that the Nationals should take a look at Ken Giles, Brad Hand, and Alex Colome. An exciting player that the Nationals should also give a call to is closer Kirby Yates.
What are your thoughts on who the Washington Nationals should look at for closers and relief pitching, let us know in the comment section.
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