In November, the Tampa Bay Rays decided to non-tender the contract of southpaw Colin Poche, making him a free agent. Poche, a 14th-round draft pick in 2016, made his debut 3 years later with Tampa Bay. Poche had decent seasons with Tampa Bay, pitching to a 4.70 ERA in his rookie season in 2019 and a 3.99 ERA in 2022. Poche would miss 2020-2021 with a Torn UCL, putting him out of action for 2 seasons. Poche returned for a full season and became one of the best arms in baseball. Over 66 games, Poche would pitch to a 2.23 ERA, striking out 61 and opponents hitting .194 against him. Poche collected 22 holds and 1 save. 2024 was primed to be another good season for Poche, until it wasn't.
Poche dealt with injuries throughout the 2024 season, which limited him to a career-low 43 games pitched. Over those 43 games, Poche had a 3.86 ERA, 33 strikeouts, and 20 holds. Overall, not a bad season, but not the same as the year prior. Poche was projected to make $2.375 million in 2025, and the Rays elected to non-tender his free agent. Fast forward to February, and the Nationals are taking a chance on the lefty, and there are high hopes that it works out.
Poche joins a Nats bullpen that is depleted from left-handed relievers, minus the chance of Mitchell Parker or DJ Herz moving to the 'pen. With Robert Garcia being traded to Texas and Joe La Sorsa being released, the Nationals only have Jose A Ferrer as a true left-handed bullpen option. The addition of Poche almost guarantees he makes the MLB roster, unless he implodes during spring training. The addition of Poche also makes the bullpen situation in DC very interesting as far as who makes the MLB roster. It is safe to assume that veteran RHPs Derek Law and Jorge Lopez will make the team, as well as rookie RHP Evan Reifert, who has to be on the team due to being a Rule-5 draft pick. LHP Jose A Ferrer will also likely be in the bullpen, as many think he will be the closer by the end of 2025. Poche likely pushes RHP Zack Brzycky to the minor leagues and out of the opening day picture, however, the Nats do have 8 starters that they need to decide from, and would be smart to add one more reliever, more specifically, Kenley Jansen.
The addition of Kenley Jansen gives the Nats a true closer and finishes off the bullpen needs for 2025. While Jose A Ferrer or Jarlin Susana could be closers down the road, the Nationals need a guy who they can depend on. While Jansen is 37, he is still performing at a high level. Regardless, the addition of Colin Poche helps bolster this Nationals bullpen and I am excited to see how he does this spring with this new opportunity.
Will Colin Poche make the opening-day roster? Let me know @branlittle58 on X, and be sure to follow @nationals_network on Instagram for the latest news and updates on the Washington Nationals!