Nationals: Three Moves To Make After Trading For Josh Bell
By Max Rayman
Sign Jake Odorizzi
This might be the last run for the big three with Max Scherzer slated for free agency after the season. Stephen Strasburg missed the majority of 2020 with an injury, while Patrick Corbin battled inconsistencies. Anibal Sanchez is a free agent, but after his terrible 2020 season, Washington will be looking for an upgrade. Joe Ross who opted out of 2020 is back and will take over as the team’s fifth starter. Erick Fedde and Austin Voth both were apart of last year’s rotation, but each had their own struggles.
There are plenty of options out in free agency for a fourth starter and Jake Odorizzi is the first that comes to mind. Odorizzi spent the last three seasons with the Twins, going 22-18, with a 4.11 ERA, 352 strikeouts, and a 3.88 FIP. At the age of 29, Odorizzi had a career year in 2019, going 15-7, with a 3.51 ERA, 178 strikeouts, and a 3.36 FIP. Unfortunately, he was unable to build upon his success in 2020, due to a blister on his right hand and a chest injury. These setbacks led to the veteran only making four starts and posting an ugly 6.59 ERA. Odorizzi showed in 2019 what he can do when healthy and would be a great fit in D.C. This would be a reunion of sorts for Odorizzi. Jim Levy who was the veteran’s pitching coach back when they were in Tampa now has the same position with Washington.
If Odorizzi’s price tag is out of Washington’s range, Masahiro Tanaka, James Paxton, Adam Wainwright, Cole Hamels, Martin Perez, and Jon Lester are all other options.