The Nationals must see better bullpen play this upcoming season. The output that clouded any good play last year was abysmal, to put it bluntly. We cannot let this happen again. However, it's concerning to us fans that they might be bad again. The current state of affairs does not blow anyone away, and maybe Paul Toboni should add another arm. A few names are still on the market, and these guys may be worth inking a deal with.
Luke Jackson
Jackson sticks out in a big way. Despite enduring minor injuries in 2025, Jackson maintained a 4.06 ERA and showed great control, allowing just 0.71 home runs per 9 innings. Reeling it back to 2024, Jackson did have an ERA over 5.00, but a FIP of 4.24 and a sub-4.00 xFIP. Before that, Jackson posted a 2.97 ERA in 2023 and, before a missed 2022 season, he recorded a sub-2.00 ERA in 2021. Time has since passed, but he is definitely not washed up. Upside is in there, and the Nationals very well may find it.
Tommy Kahnle
The 36-year-old still has significant potential to contribute. In 2025 with the Tigers, Kahnle pitched 66 games over 63.0 innings with a mediocre 4.43 ERA. His recent track record with the Yankees in 2023 and 2024 is more impressive, with an ERA no worse than 2.66, and he posted a 2.84 ERA in 2022 with the Dodgers. Kahnle has the talent in that arm of his to yet excel on the mound and make a positive impact moving forward.
A change of scenery will likely benefit Kahnle, and with the Nationals' new, analytical management style, he can improve back to great form. Ultimately, signing anyone at this point would be a risk-versus-reward play. With Kahnle's upside being a sub-3.00 ERA, the move may be worth it, and for a lower price.
Chad Green
The risk with Green is a sub-5.00 ERA, but the potential reward is remarkable—a sub-3.50 ERA. Over the past six seasons, Green has successfully maintained a sub-4.00 ERA in four of them. At 36 years old, he still has plenty left in the tank. Despite facing challenges last season with a 5.56 ERA, he achieved an impressive 81% left-on-base rate and a solid 35% ground ball rate over the last two years. These statistics are not just numbers; they prove that, when used effectively, Green can be a valuable asset.
Though Green is less of a strikeout weapon these days, the veteran has an arsenal to deliver success. His fastball reaches 95 MPH on average, but rises above MLB average. He also works in a high velocity slider at 88 MPH. If he can work in a third pitch of 10% or higher, Green still has the physical skills to make it in the bullpen. Not for nothing, Green has more to offer than many names on the Nationals' current roster.