"But outside of organizational infrastructure changes that will lead to changes down the line, Toboni has also made it clear that another classic weakness of the Rizzo era is going to be addressed a lot as well in the bullpen. If you have been a Nationals fan for a long time, you would know that the team has always struggled to field a competent bullpen."
"That is for good reason, as the Nationals' overall bullpen from 2025 was among not only the worst in the league last year, but genuinely one of the worst units in MLB history. However, while the unit had some abysmal outings from guys like Colin Poche, Lucas Sims, and Ryan Loutos, among others, they also had some sneaky decent stretches from surprise guys like Konnor Pilkington."
"Which is why the organization's decision to DFA Pilkington, a 28-year-old lefty that displayed some effective strikeout stuff last year, was a bit of a surprising one. It makes it even more interesting that the guy he was DFA'd for, Tsung-Che Cheng, is already out of the Nationals' organization as well, being waived for George Soriano, who is also out of the organization already. However, Pilkington ended up electing free agency on Thursday morning, marking the end of his tenure in DC."
The Washington Nationals are reorganizing weak areas after a decade of poor drafting and development under Mike Rizzo, with Paul Toboni focusing on correcting bullpen problems. The bullpen ranked among the worst in MLB history in 2025, producing abysmal outings from relievers like Colin Poche, Lucas Sims, and Ryan Loutos while also featuring effective stretches from surprise performers such as Konnor Pilkington. The organization designated Pilkington for assignment despite his strikeout stuff; Pilkington later elected free agency. Transactions included waiver movement for Tsung-Che Cheng and George Soriano, both no longer with the Nationals.
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