On Saturday, the Washington Nationals finally made a significant addition to their bullpen for the 2025 season by signing veteran reliever and former All-Star Jorge López to a 1-year deal worth just $3 million with incentives to earn above that. After having a void in their bullpen due to the non-tendering of Kyle Finnegan, and choosing not to retain guys like Tanner Rainey and Jordan Weems, the club had a clear need at the back end of their bullpen.
However, it appears as if there could be an internal option that could emerge as the team's closer for the 2025 season and beyond, at least according to MLB Network. Every team's beat reporter made predictions for their team for the 2025 season, and Jessica Camerato, the beat reporter for the network who covers the Nationals, predicted that young lefty Jose A. Ferrer would become the team's closer.
It is a very interesting prediction, as Ferrer has been a guy who is seemingly beaming with potential, and after battling back from some injuries in 2024, took some major steps forward in his growth and development. He debuted in 2023, and despite a 3-0 record had a 5.03 ERA and 1.471 WHIP, in large part due to a subpar 25:13 K:BB ratio in 39 games.
In 2024, he appeared in 31 games, pitching to a 3.38 ERA and 1.031 WHIP, and even earned his first career save as well. For a guy like Ferrer, who will be just 25-years-old on Opening Day, this would be a huge step not only for him but for the organization as well. The Nationals have notoriously struggled to find consistency from bullpen arms over the years, and have struggled to develop young bullpen arms as well.
What's your prediction for your favorite team in 2025? ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/BOzsOlOMhc
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 10, 2025
According to Baseball Savant, Ferrer features a 4-seam fastball, a changeup, a slider, and a heavy sinker that he utilizes as his primary pitch. His velocity can reach as high as 100 MPH, and he has showcased the abilities to overpower hitters with that power sinker and dynamic offspeed to supplement his heat.
It would still be a big adjustment for him, as he still does not have a ton of experience pitching in high-leverage situations, and might need a bit of time to adjust and grow into the role, but I believe he could be up for the challenge. Barring the signing of someone like Kyle Finnegan or another established late-inning option like Tanner Scott, I think the club would be best-served by giving Ferrer a shot, knowing that they have López as insurance in case Ferrer does not live up to expectations.