With the Nationals starting pitching rotation in flux and needing an injection of talent, the Washington Nationals should look all over for some talent to add to the roster. Oh, don't forget the ever need for relievers; a couple of good pitchers are available, and right-hander Collin McHugh might be a good pickup.

Related Article: The Nationals Starting Rotation: A Problem that Needs to be Fixed

The Mets' 2008 draft pick transformed his career in Houston. During his time, he totaled 12.2 fWAR over six seasons, spending the first half of his career with the Astros as a starter and transitioning to a reliever role after an injury-riddled 2017. McHugh was pretty effective, finishing with a 3.63 ERA over 195 total appearances. In 2019, McHugh appeared in 35 games (8 starts) while recording 82 strikeouts in 74+2⁄3 innings with a 4.70 ERA and a 4–5 record.

In Houston, McHugh dominated with his curveball, and then he eventually developed a plus slider while with the team. While he mixed in fastballs, sinkers, and cutters, his breaking pitches were his bread and butter with the team.

After reaching free agency, he signed with the Boston Red Sox, but he didn't pitch in the 2020 season due partly to COVID and partly to an undisclosed injury to his elbow, leading him to sign a one-year, prove-it deal with the Tampa Bay Rays for the 2021 season. He proved it. McHugh had an ERA of 1.55 and a 6-1 win-loss record in the 37 games he appeared. Due to missing a month of playtime due to arm fatigue and back soreness, McHugh might have been in the discussion as the best reliever in baseball. (Take a look at his insanely hot Statcast percentile chart.)

According to Spotrac last year, McHugh received a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays for $1.8 million which was guaranteed, not so much, and his results were somewhat impressive. We all know that the Nationals are in this weird state in not spending a lot of money, and this conversation or post might be for nothing. However, it might be a good idea to pick up the phone and give McHugh a call to see if he would be interested in joining the Nationals bullpen because the team needs help no matter what.