The Washington Nationals' bullpen was as consistent as ever during their World Series run. Since 2019, the bullpen has had up-and-down seasons with lots of turnover. Just a few arms have provided coach Davey Martinez with the confidence to call their name. It would make sense for the Nats to acquire at least one bullpen arm this winter to provide consistency in either the late-innings or standard relief appearances. Here are three names GM Mike Rizzo should consider; Clay Holmes, Lucas Sims, and Seranthony Domínguez.
Clay Holmes
Since being acquired by the New York Yankees in 2021, Holmes has been one of the most dominant relievers in the MLB. In the 2024 season, Holmes posted a 3.14 ERA in 67 appearances with a career-high 30 saves, according to mlb.com. Clay struck out 68 batters and walked just 22. Holmes has been a model of consistency as a Yankee. He has at least 60 appearances in the last three seasons, 60 innings pitched, 65 strikeouts, and less than 25 walks. He's someone that Davey Martinez could depend on out of the Nats bullpen.
Holmes will require the checkbook to be cracked open a bit. A deal in the range of three years and $48 million is what it would cost to sign Holmes. Is he worth it? He's one of the best late-inning relievers in baseball and would take Washington's bullpen to the next level. Holmes should be at the top of Rizzo's list.
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.
Sims would be inexpensive, ranging in the $3-$7 million per season area, another deal that would favor the Nationals. A one-year deal would suffice for Sims to "prove" he can find the success he had in Cincinnati.
Seranthony Domínguez
Could the hard-throwing former division rival with the Phillies sport the curly W next season? It makes sense for Washington, who need a lockdown arm in the back end of the bullpen. Domínguez has a career 3.59 ERA and a majority of his appearances are in high-leverage situations. He was traded mid-season to the Orioles last season and was 10/11 in save opportunities.
Domínguez has a club-option with the Orioles, and if they decide to not pick it up, Mike Rizzo needs to pounce on the opportunity. He'd likely cost $8-$12 million per season, but would be worth it.