On Tuesday, it was reported that the Nationals were bringing back all-star RHP Kyle Finnegan on a 1-year, $6 million deal. While it's easy to predict that Finnegan will reinsert himself as the closer in 2025, there are other options on the roster. The Nationals presumably had Jose A. Ferrer in the closer role before the Finnegan addition, and they added RHP Jorge Lopez in free agency. So how does this bullpen shape up with the homecoming of Finnegan in 2025?
In 2022, Kyle Finnegan would take over as the closer, following a rough season from LHP Brad Hand in 2021. Over his closing time in DC, Finnegan would pick up 50 saves from 2021-2023, with 2024 being a breakout year. Finnegan would pick up 38 saves, the second most in single season Nationals history, while pitching to a 3.68 ERA over 63.2 innings. The Nationals decided to non-tender Finnegan's contract, declining his $8.2 million contract, and making him a free agent. Fast forward to February, and Finnegan had not found a home and decided to return to DC for a 6th season. It is pretty safe to say that Finnegan will be the Closer in 2025.
The Nationals also added RHP Jorge Lopez on a one-year deal. Lopez was an all-star closer in 2022 with the Baltimore Orioles before being traded to Minnesota and starting a carousel of signings. With Baltimore, Lopez pitched to a 1.68 ERA over 48.1 innings, collecting 19 saves and 54 strikeouts. Lopez would struggle with Minnesota, Miami, Back in Baltimore, and New York before finding some success in Chicago with the Cubs. In 2024, Lopez pitched to a 2.08 ERA in 24 games with the Cubs, which would make the signing with Washington a low-risk, high-reward. Lopez was expected to compete for the closer role before the Finnegan signing, but will now likely serve as a 7th or 8th-inning guy.
Before the return of Finnegan, MLB.com had previously predicted that LHP Jose A. Ferrer would be the closer in 2025. Ferrer, entering his 2nd big league season, is still only 24 years of age, and has some upside in terms of a closer role. Ferrer only has one save in his career, with 11 holds, but has shown promise in terms of single-inning velocity, topping out at 100 MPH. Ferrer will likely serve as the 8th-inning guy, but could also rotate with Jorge Lopez depending on the batters in the inning. Expect Ferrer to face left-handers, and vise versa for Lopez.
Overall, the Nationals have plenty of options. RHPs Kyle Finnegan, Derek Law, Eva Reifert, and Jorge Lopez, as well as LHP Jose A Ferrer, are locks for the bullpen in 2025. Expect tight competition between RHPs Lucas Sims, Zach Brzycky, Eduardo Salazar, Orlando Ribalta, Jackson Rutledge, and LHPs Konnor Pilkington, and Colin Poche.