"The Nationals are not trying to contend next season, but it still makes sense for the team to sign veteran relievers on short term deals. Adding cheap, but experienced arms would help the team's stability and give the front office potential trade chips at the trade deadline. Rebuilding teams often have young, inexperienced relieves. They usually may have promising stuff, but often have poor control and command."
"The Nationals need veteran leadership in the bullpen to help guide younger arms and also prevent excessive blowouts. With too many young arms with no control, games can drag on, which worsens the fan experience and diminishes the confidence of relievers who could be developing in AAA. By signing older arms, young pitchers can develop while the more veterans, who the Nationals do not have a long term investment in, can provide adequate support to a probable last-place ball club."
The Nationals retained a mostly similar roster after a cautious offseason that included trading Mackenzie Gore, signing Miles Mikolas, and reshaping internal infrastructure. The front office avoided top-level free agents but missed an opportunity to add veteran relievers who fit rebuilding strategies. Veteran relievers on short term, inexpensive deals would improve bullpen stability, mentor inexperienced arms, and reduce blown-out games that damage fan experience and minor-league development. Successful veteran relievers could be flipped at the trade deadline for prospects, bolstering the farm system while minimizing long-term investment during a rebuilding season.
Read at District on Deck
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]