The Nationals' abysmal bullpen directly contributed to the team’s abysmal season. Nationals relievers had a 5.59 ERA, which was one of the worst marks in the majors. To address this clear weakness, the Nationals should look into adding the following free agent relievers:
Ryan Helsley
Ryan Helsley had a rough season. After being traded to the Mets, he pitched with a 7.20 ERA in 20 innings. The former elite closer was giving up home runs and walking batters at nearly two times the rate of his career averages. The Nationals should look to buy low while Helsley’s value is low. He still has elite fastball velocity and generates many swings and misses. Helsley’s market value is probably at the lowest point of his career. The Nationals can capitalize on the present situation and potentially acquire an elite closer at a fraction of the cost.
Kyle Finnegan
The longtime Nationals reliever pitched well after they traded him to the Tigers. Finnegan posted a 1.50 ERA and was the setup man for the playoff club. The Nationals should look to bring the right-hander back. He is comfortable in D.C., and he can bring some continuity to the bullpen after his brief stop in Detroit.
Shawn Armstrong
Shawn Armstrong had an under-the-radar season for the Texas Rangers. The veteran right-hander posted a 2.31 ERA in 74 innings pitched. Armstrong’s velocity has diminished in recent seasons, but he still has been incredibly effective. He throws three different types of fastballs (a four-seam, a cutter, and a sinker), allowing him to deceive hitters and have an elite barrel rate of 7.1 percent. Armstrong also avoids walks with a walk rate of 7.0 percent. Even at an advanced age, his skill set allows him to continue to be a valuable arm in any team’s bullpen.
Tim Hill
Tim Hill has been a valuable left-hander in the Yankees bullpen for the past two seasons. One of his best abilities is his availability; he pitched in 70 games this past season. Hill also offers a unique submarine arm angle of negative 24 degrees. While he does not strike out many batters, he makes them uncomfortable and would give the Nationals a distinct type of pitcher that they do not already have in their bullpen.
Justin Wilson
Justin Wilson, a left-hander with an over-the-top arm angle, pitched to a 3.35 ERA in 48 and one-third innings pitched. Wilson generates lots of ground balls and strikeouts. His ground ball rate was in the 72nd percentile of all pitchers in the league this past season, and his strikeout rate was in the 82nd percentile. If the Nationals want a reliable lefty, Wilson is a cheap, effective pitcher they should target.