Even as Spring Training starts, the Nationals are still making moves to improve the team long term. The fresh signing of left-handed reliever Cionel Pérez brings experience and needed success in tough innings to the Nats Bullpen.

The only statistic of Pérez’s that ballooned last year was his ERA, going from 4.53 to 8.31, and even then that was only across 19 games of the season. Plenty of his statistics actually went down as his ERA struggled like hits, runs, and walks. While he has declined over the seasons, as all pitchers do as they age, it’s not been particularly drastic outside of last year and it’s all been past the 60 games played mark. With all of this context, it becomes clear that Pérez’s last season with the Orioles was likely the outlier and not the rule when it comes to his pitching ability.

What are your thoughts on the Nats’ bullpen strength? Do you think Pérez will be able to positively add to that?

Be sure to check out Nats Report’s Spring Training Liveblog for up-to-date updates on how things are progressing down in West Palm Beach.

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As Spring Training progresses with pitchers and catchers officially reporting, we’re getting our first real sense of what the pitching for this season’s Nationals is going to look like and just how competitive it could be. While some of the pitchers may be battling injury, they’re still all fighting to come back to try and fight to win baseball games for this team.

Left fielder James Wood had a breakout sophomore season last year, ending the year with 31 home runs, 94 RBIs, and an average of .256. Though he doesn’t quite see it the same. According to manager Blake Butera, Wood “sounded like he was disappointed” with the previous season. Not for any negative reason, but because “there’s a lot more in the tank.” This passion and belief show in both his offseason work as well as his desire to become better on the defensive end of things.

What do you think about the progression of the pitchers so far? Will Herz and Williams be able to make an impact on the season despite their injury setbacks?

For more Spring Training Updates you may have missed, make sure to check out the previous Spring Training Notebooks from the 13th and the 15th. Also, be sure to follow Ryan Shenker on his social media channels for the latest updates, videos, and so much more as we’re on the ground at this year's Spring Training.

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There is plenty of great content queued up for you for this coming week! In addition to all of our Spring Training content planned, Bill will be kicking off a short series on what’s coming about up in Triple-A Rochester. This week will see the first part of a series that will focus on some of the potential starting pitchers up in Rochester.

Nats Report is the only newsletter/website to cover all things Washington Nationals from the very top of the majors to down to Low-A in Fredericksburg. Stick around this season for all things majors and minors, you may see the future of the Washington Nationals forming in real time.

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📌 Washington Nationals Spring Training Notebook: February 15, 2026

📌 Nationals Star James Wood Discusses How He's Going to Improve His Defense (Sports Illustrated)

📌 The World Baseball Classic encores we're most excited to see (MLB)