District On Deck
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Bullpen Still Has Questions

By The Jim Rat

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 20: Sean Doolittle #62 of the Washington Nationals comes in the from the bullpen cart when comes in game in the ninth inning during a baseball game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park on September 20, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 20: Sean Doolittle #62 of the Washington Nationals comes in the from the bullpen cart when comes in game in the ninth inning during a baseball game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park on September 20, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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The Nats were busy last week with the signings of “Yes That” Will Harris, Starlin Castro and Asdrubal Cabrera, but Mike Rizzo still has his work cut out for him to finalize the team as spring approaches. One area of concern is certainly the bullpen. The achilles heel for most of Nationals 2019 season has question marks.

Sean Doolittle appears to be first in line for the closer role, but he struggled to the tune of a 5.56 ERA in the second half of last season, while surrendering 8 home runs in 22 innings.  He was used extensively during the early part of the season, which certainly played a role in his struggles during the second half, but I am hard pressed to rely on him as an everyday closer.

The signing of Will Harris will be valuable in the late innings but he lacks significant experience in the 9th, with only six total saves over the last three seasons.

Daniel Hudson, who got the final out of the World Series, remains a free agent and while the club likes the arms currently rostered, it lacks a fear-inducing closer.  The free agent pool doesn’t feature any big name closers but there are guys who could provide depth and versatility for Davey Martinez.

Steve Cishek should be considered by every team because he has an awesome delivery, but also because he gets guys out. He has appeared in 150 games combined over the last two years and pitches well against both lefties and righties.

Sam Dyson  struggled after his move to the Twins, but he was a valuable piece of the Giants bullpen in each of the last three seasons.  Dyson has experience closing and has cut down on walks over the last three seasons.

Collin McHugh has been consistent for Houston over the last six seasons. He has served as both a reliever and a starter and while his overall 2019 ERA did jump  to 4.70, as a reliever he posted an ERA of 2.67 with opponents hitting only .208 against him. McHugh could be an interesting option a middle inning reliever and spot starter.

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