Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday, and perhaps even got to consume a little bit of Washington Nationals content between our 3 things to be thankful for and discussing how to improve the rotation despite Blake Snell and Yusei Kikuchi being off the board.
As we all know, today is known as Black Friday, a nationally renowned shopping day where companies all around the country have insane discounts for customers. While we wait for the Washington Nationals to make some major moves in free agency going into 2025, it's important to note that the club will also need some cheap signings that can still improve the club as well.
Over the last couple years, the Nationals have been known for their bargain signings, some of which have worked out like Jesse Winker or Jeimer Candelario, but some have fallen completely on their face like Joey Gallo or Eric Thames. Let's celebrate the occasion by taking a look at 3 potential free agents that the Nationals could sign for a bargain rate that could still bolster the club going into 2025.
José Urquidy
Nationals fans should be familiar with righty Jose Urquidy, who has pitched for the Astros since 2019 and even faced off against the Nats in the World Series. He has been a solid pitcher throughout his career, with a 27-16 record and 3.98 ERA, making appearances as a starter and reliever for the Astros, and likely could be had for a decent bargain rate.
He has been up and down in his career, but could easily come in and help out this club in a hybrid starter and reliever role, similar to that of Yusmeiro Petit, who carved out a career as being primarily a reliever that was capable of making spot starts in a pinch. Due to Urquidy struggling in 2023 to a 5.29 ERA, he could likely be had for less than his 2023 salary of $3.75 million, and could be a worthwhile addition for 2025. It is important to note that he did not pitch in the MLB in 2024 due to injuries, and elected free agency earlier this month as well after being taken off the Astros' 40-man roster, so he will be looking for a shot to bounce back and prove his worth.
Eloy Jiménez
This would be a signing that would be right up Mike Rizzo's alley from the last few years, given that Eloy Jiménez was once a highly-touted prospect that has struggled a ton with injuries since his 4th-place AL Rookie of the Year finish in 2019 and Silver Slugger award in 2020. While he has never matched the numbers he posted in his magical rookie year, the 6'4" 250-pound slugger might just be worth taking a gamble on.
He would likely be able to be had for a bargain rate, as Spotrac estimates his market value to be $2.3 million for 1 year, and if he pans out he could completely rebuild his value in 2025 going into next offseason. If he truly realizes his potential, we're talking about a guy who has 30+ home run power, and could easily be the DH for the Nationals in 2025.
Jesse Winker
How about a little reunion to cap off this article? As I said in the intro, Jesse Winker was one of the bargain signings that Mike Rizzo has made over the last couple years that definitely was a win for the club. After signing a minor league deal with the Nationals before Spring Training, Winker made the club going into the 2024 season and was a steady veteran presence for the club before being traded to the New York Mets for righty Tyler Stuart.
Winker was very appreciative of the time he spent with the Nationals, as they gave him a chance to capitalize on his last chance to remain a big leaguer, and he got traded to the Mets, who made a run to the NLCS this season as well. Spotrac estimates Winker to have a value of just $2.4 million for 2025, and the Nats could certainly look to bring him back as he was a well-liked presence in the clubhouse. He would be able to fill in as the team's DH, or could see some spot starts in the outfield as well for the Nationals.
Which of these 3 bargain free agents would you want to see the Nationals sign? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.