Washington Nationals: Travis Wood worth a look
The Washington Nationals’ pitching depth is a bit lackluster at the moment, so they should consider signing Travis Wood to a minor-league deal.
The Washington Nationals boast one of the best pitching staffs in the league, but there are a few durability concerns, both in the rotation and bullpen.
Max Scherzer battled injuries throughout most of 2017 and Stephen Strasburg has proven to be extremely injury-prone throughout his career. In the bullpen, Sean Doolittle, Koda Glover, and Shawn Kelley have all dealt with various injuries throughout their careers.
In addition to a few durability concerns, the Nats are currently in need of a fifth starter. Considering these two issues, they must build up their pitching depth. In order to do so, they should consider signing Travis Wood to a minor-league deal.
Wood, a 30-year-old lefty, is coming off of the worst season of his career and was recently released by the San Diego Padres. However, there is reason to believe he could bounce back in 2018.
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2017 was a nightmare for Wood, as he pitched to a 6.80 ERA in 39 appearances between the Kansas City Royals and Padres. Prior to signing with the Royals as a free agent last off-season, he spent five seasons with the Chicago Cubs.
With the Cubs, Wood excelled as a starter, reliever, and occasional left fielder as part of Joe Maddon‘s patented madness. Wood’s Cubs tenure was highlighted by an All-Star nomination in 2013 and a World Series championship in 2016.
Now, Wood is in search of a new home. As one of the most versatile pitchers in the sport, he has the potential to be very valuable. The Nats, especially, could use his versatility.
As the Nats’ roster currently stands, the fifth spot in the rotation is up for grabs. If Spring Training started today, A.J. Cole, Erick Fedde, and Tommy Milone would battle for the job. If the Nats choose to hold a competition for the fifth spot, they should sign Wood and throw him into the mix as well.
The Nats are also lacking a bonafide long reliever. Yusmeiro Petit filled the role in 2016, but the Nats went without one in 2017. Matt Grace served as the long reliever at times, but he is not quite cut out for the role. If the Nats sign Wood and he returns to form, he could serve as their long reliever and join the rotation if needed.
In addition to versatility, Wood provides great postseason experience. In 16 postseason appearances throughout his career, he has pitched to a 3.12 ERA, which is outstanding. Considering the Nats have yet to advance past the National League Division Series, Wood’s postseason success could prove to be an enormous asset.
DC could also be an attractive destination for Wood. Obviously, the Nats are among the best organizations in the league and offer an opportunity to win, but he also has a connection to the coaching staff. Manager Dave Martinez and bullpen coach Henry Blanco served as Cubs coaches during Wood’s time in Chicago, so he is familiar with the two.
Finally, Wood will cost practically nothing. Since he was released, the Royals and Padres are responsible for a majority of the $6.5 million he is owed in 2018. Because of this, Wood is the definition of a low-risk investment with the potential to be very rewarding.
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Although Wood was one of the most sought-after pitchers this time last year, he may have to settle for a minor-league contract this off-season. If that is the case, the Nats should be all over him.