RHP Carlos Estevez
Carlos Estevez is coming off a career season with the Angels and Phillies. While the Nationals have added RHP Jorge Lopez, a reliever with closer experience, it would still be wise for Mike Rizzo to add a proven closer. In 54 appearances in 2024, Estevez pitched to a 2.45 ERA, collecting 50 strikeouts and 26 saves. Estevez was acquired at the trade deadline by the Phillies and has received a lot of interest this offseason from the Blue Jays and Cubs. While Estevez is the youngest and best option available, it is doubtful that the Nats will land the right-hander.
RHP Kyle Finnegan
Arguably the best closer remaining on the market, the Nationals could turn to a reunion with RHP Kyle Finnegan. Finnegan, an all-star in 2024, pitched to a career-high 38 saves, with a 3.68 ERA and 60 strikeouts. Finnegan was expected to make $8.2 million in 2025. The Nationals disagreed with that price and elected to non-tender the right-hander instead of avoiding arbitration. Finnegan was signed in 2020 to a MiLB deal and took over the closer role in 2023 after 3 seasons as a middle reliever. Finnegan is still a viable option if all else fails.
RHP Kenley Jansen
If the Nationals are looking for a 1-year rental, just like every other signing they have made, then RHP Kenley Jansen is the perfect player to add. Jansen, a 15-year veteran, has still pitched at an elite level in his late thirties. The RHP has a career 2.57 ERA, and in 2024 Jansen pitched to a 3.29 ERA, collecting 27 saves and 62 strikeouts. Jansen will be 37 going into the season and is the perfect veteran presence in a bullpen that consists of young relievers like Jose A Ferrer and Zach Brzycky.
RHP Kirby Yates
Another 1-year rental option for Mike Rizzo is also 37-year-old Kirby Yates. Yates is coming off the best year of his career in 2024, where he pitched to a 1.17 ERA over 61 games at the age of 36, picking up 33 saves and striking out 85 batters, all career highs since 2019. Yates is also a veteran presence in the bullpen and is only likely to receive a one-year-deal this offseason, which fits the Nationals' "one-year deal veteran" signings so far.
While the Nationals should add as much help as possible, there is always a strong chance that they do not. The Nationals did already sign RHP Jorge Lopez, who has 31 career saves, including 23 in his all-star season in 2022. The Nats also have LHP Jose A Ferrer, who MLB Network predicts will be the closer by the end of 2025. If I were Mike Rizzo, I would add Yates or Jansen on a one-year deal. The Nationals have gotten a reputation for signing players to short-term deals, and Yates/Jansen fit that narrative. If the Nationals are looking for a multi-year deal, then Kyle Finnegan is the best option. While Estevez is a better pitcher, he will most likely be signed by Toronto, Baltimore, or Chicago.
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Finally, LET'S GO COMMANDERS!