The Washington Nationals have signed left-handed reliever Colin Poche to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. Poche, previously with the Tampa Bay Rays, is a 31-year-old pitcher who, despite a strong track record—especially in 2023—struggled with injuries in 2024. He logged lower strikeout and fastball velocities, leading to performance issues. However, if healthy, he's expected to play a crucial role in the Nationals' bullpen, which lacks experienced left-handed options.
If Poche is back to full strength, he should have a good chance to not only make the Nationals' bullpen but pitch in a key role.
Poche's 3.86 ERA was still solid, but his 21.6% strikeout rate was a career-low mark, while his 1.69 HR/9 rate was the highest of his career.
The always cost-conscious Rays opted to move on a year early rather than pay Poche a projected $3.4MM salary in his final season of club control.
His best season came in 2023, when he tossed 60 1/3 innings of 2.23 ERA ball while fanning about one-quarter of his opponents.
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