The Nationals appeared in Free Agency, signing starting pitcher Mike Soroka to a one-year deal. Hopefully, it's not the last we've heard from the Nats this Winter. The bullpen could use some refining in Washington. Here are three current free agents who would fit in the Nationals' bullpen well.
Lucas Sims
Sims is the type of reliever who can fill any role. In his career, Sims has 12 saves, 14 starts, and 57 holds in 245 games, according to mlb.com. In 2023, he set a career-high 67 appearances out of the Reds' bullpen. Lucas is versatile and could be a nice target for Washington. Last season in Boston, Sims had a 4.38 ERA in 58 appearances. 2023 was the best season of his career, where he posted a 3.10 ERA in 67 appearances. Sims was dominant during the 2020 COVID season with a 2.45 ERA, but it was across just 25.2 innings pitched.
James Karinchak
A pitcher with a fiery personality, James Karinchak, would be a solid signing for the Nats. Karinchak owns a 3.10 career ERA in 174 appearances, according to baseballreference.com. The 29-year-old missed the 2024 season due to a shoulder injury and would likely be available on a discounted deal. The right-hander needs opportunities to regain confidence, and Washington's bullpen would be a great place to do so. In 2020, Karinchak was electric on the mound, recording 17.7 K/9. For many years, the former Cleveland Guardian formed a one-two punch with closer Emmanuel Clase.
Kyle Finnegan
Many Nationals fans would welcome a reunion on a team-friendly deal. Finnegan has been solid in the Nats' bullpen for many years after being acquired through trade. The now 34-year-old was on the trade block this past August but was held on to for the remainder of the season. Now a free agent, Finnegan still remains unsigned. It would make sense for the Nationals to resign the right-hander; the team needs help in the pen. Kyle boasts a career-3.56 ERA in 291 games pitched.
What say you, Nationals fans? Will GM Mike Rizzo make another "splash" in Free Agency? The Nats have many holes to fill on the roster. The third base and the bullpen are two of the most important ones to fill. Only time will tell how the Nats' 2025 roster will form.