District On Deck
FanSided

Washington Nationals: What to expect in Winter Meetings based on simulation

By Drew Douglas

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 05: General Manager Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals introduces Manager Dusty Baker (not pictured) at Nationals Park on November 5, 2015 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 05: General Manager Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals introduces Manager Dusty Baker (not pictured) at Nationals Park on November 5, 2015 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 9
Next
Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals /

Signing Matt Albers

While Brandon Kintzler, Ryan Madson, and Sean Doolittle received most of the attention in the bullpen, Matt Albers quietly put together an excellent season. After getting released in Spring Training and re-signing on a minor league deal, Albers had the best season of his career in 2017.

When all was said and done, Albers pitched to a 1.62 ERA in 63 games, and even picked up the first two saves of his career. He does not exactly look the part, but he was absolutely dominant with the Nats.

Unfortunately, Albers is now a free agent and may be pitching elsewhere in 2018. The Nats should want to bring him back after his phenomenal 2017 season, so I signed him to a one-year deal worth $3 million. I also included a club option for a second year at the same rate with a $500 thousand buyout.

If the Nats sign Albers to this contract in real life, he could prove to be a bargain once again and return for 2019 as well. However, there is not too much risk on the Nats’ end. If he regresses and struggles in 2018, they only paid him $3 million and can decline the 2019 option.

Albers is coming off of one of the best seasons of his career, and should absolutely be brought back in 2018.

Home/Nationals News