How Nats might try to supplement their bullpen this winter

Most of the attention this time of year – and, really, most of the offseason – is on big names. Sluggers. Starting pitchers. Free agents seeking multi-year deals, hopefully helping transform franchises in the process.

But there’s never been a Hot Stove League that ultimately wasn’t filled with dozens of relievers joining new clubs. And very often, those seemingly lower-profile moves prove to be just as important as the big-ticket ones.

The Nationals almost always are involved in this market, and there’s every reason to believe they once again will be involved this winter. (Or, perhaps, this spring.)

Mike Rizzo added a host of experienced relievers prior to the 2024 season, and many of those guys were signed not in November, December or January, but rather in February, even after pitchers and catchers reported for camp. Only one bullpen arm was signed prior to Feb. 1: Dylan Floro, who also got the only major league contract of the eventual bunch, for a modest $2.25 million.

Then came a flurry of minor league signings as camp was beginning. Richard Bleier and Robert Gsellman on Feb. 2. Luis Perdomo on Feb. 8. Jacob Barnes on Feb. 16. Derek Law on Feb. 22. Matt Barnes on Feb. 27.

Nats' remaining closer options; Boras on Harper and Strasburg

Nats' remaining closer options; Boras on Harper and Strasburg
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - The news late yesterday afternoon of the Nationals sending Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Dane Dunning to the White Sox for Adam Eaton sent more than a few shockwaves through the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. It also pushed aside a bunch of other interesting tidbits of the day related to the Nationals. Better late than never, though, so here you go ... * The Nats have addressed two of their three biggest needs this winter so far: an outfielder and a...

Trade winds bring changes in Windy City baseball landscape

Trade winds bring changes in Windy City baseball landscape
The Cubs will defend their World Series title with a new closer next season. Instead of investing millions long-term for lefty free agent closer Aroldis Chapman and his 100 mph fastball, the Cubs acquired closer Wade Davis, a two-time All-Star, from the Royals for outfielder Jorge Soler on the third day of the winter meetings. Chapman and Kenley Jansen are the two free agent closers left on the market, but the Cubs couldn't fit either into their 2017 budget. Former Nationals closer Mark...

Nats' lack of experienced closer right now doesn't faze Baker

Nats' lack of experienced closer right now doesn't faze Baker
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Fans and media may be wondering who will close for the Nationals in 2017. So is manager Dusty Baker, though he didn't sound too concerned Tuesday during his media session at the Winter Meetings. Speaking in a ballroom at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Baker said he was disappointed that the Nationals weren't able to re-sign incumbent Mark Melancon, didn't think the Nats had been in touch with free agent Aroldis Chapman because he's asking for too...

Rizzo reacts to Melancon's departure, closer market and Glover's future

Rizzo reacts to Melancon's departure, closer market and Glover's future
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - The news arrived Monday afternoon at the Winter Meetings that former Nationals closer Mark Melancon had agreed to terms with the San Francisco Giants. Instead of focusing on the possibility of a new leadoff center fielder and a starting pitcher, the Nationals now must also address the ninth-inning role again for 2017. Melancon agreed to a four-year deal worth $62 million, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. Specifics of the deal were tweeted out by Alex Pavolic of CSN Bay...

Nats need a new closer: Melancon signs with Giants

Nats need a new closer: Melancon signs with Giants
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - The Nationals have employed four different experienced closers in the last four years, and it appears they'll have to employ a fifth one next season. Mark Melancon, whom the Nationals acquired in July to fortify a tenuous position at the back end of their bullpen, has agreed to a deal with the Giants, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. And if that deal is finalized after Melancon passes a physical, the Nats will be left searching elsewhere for a ninth-inning pitching...

Is an experienced closer necessary to win a World Series?

Is an experienced closer necessary to win a World Series?
It is perhaps the Nationals' biggest dilemma this winter - who's going to pitch the ninth inning? - and there is no easy solution to the problem. The Nationals could sign one of the three big-name closers on the open market this winter, luring Aroldis Chapman or Kenley Jansen to D.C. or bringing Mark Melancon back. They could take a chance and entrust the job to one of several in-house candidates, either veteran Shawn Kelley or young relievers Blake Treinen, Sammy Solis or Koda Glover. Or...

Steve Mears: Aroldis Chapman would not have been worth the high price

Steve Mears: Aroldis Chapman would not have been worth the high price
How many postseason saves does Aroldis Chapman have? Zero. Chapman does have a blown save and a loss. Wade Davis has four postseason saves with a perfect save record, and he also has three holds and four wins. Davis has 23 postseason games on his record and no blemishes. There is something called "incremental improvement" that sabermetricians look at to compare a 2.4 WAR player versus a 2.8 WAR player while using their advances stats to determine which player is better. Not so fast:...

Chapman wouldn't have been worth the price for Nationals

Chapman wouldn't have been worth the price for Nationals
The Nationals like Aroldis Chapman. A lot. Mike Rizzo tried to sign the closer out of Cuba in 2010, and even thought he had outbid every other franchise in the majors for him (until it turned out the Reds had done it instead). Dusty Baker, of course, managed Chapman his first four seasons in the big leagues, continues to speak glowingly about the flame-throwing left-hander and was one of his staunchest supporters after the pitcher was suspended for domestic violence. So the Nationals, to make...

Eighth- and ninth-inning bullpen plans still unclear for Nationals

Eighth- and ninth-inning bullpen plans still unclear for Nationals
Another potential closer option for the Nationals is off the board after fireballer Aroldis Chapman was added to the Yankees' powerhouse bullpen in a trade with the Reds. It's the second time the Reds reportedly agreed to deal left-hander this offseason after a trade with the Dodgers fell apart during the Winter Meetings when domestic violence allegations involving Chapman surfaced from this past October. The Nationals and general manager Mike Rizzo have been connected to Chapman; they...

Mike Rizzo on Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Papelbon and new bullpen additions

Mike Rizzo on Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Papelbon and new bullpen additions
The Nationals have attempted adding sexy pieces to their ballclub early this offseason, like their recent hot pursuit of free agent outfielder Jason Heyward. But general manager Mike Rizzo's biggest challenge over the winter months was overhauling a bullpen that stumbled mightily in a pennant race last season. So far, Rizzo has landed three relievers through free agency and two more via trade in the makeover. But the biggest decision facing Rizzo is how to work through the mess at the back...

Dusty Baker says Jonathan Papelbon isn't a distraction

Dusty Baker says Jonathan Papelbon isn't a distraction
NASHVILLE - Dusty Baker sat at a table this afternoon in a ballroom at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, swarmed by reporters for the first time since he was announced as the new Nationals manager a little over a month ago. Among the many topics the charismatic Baker discussed was how to handle volatile closer Jonathan Papelbon and the leftover baggage from the reliever's dugout brawl with National League Most Valuable Player Bryce Harper. Unless general manager Mike Rizzo...

Report: Aroldis Chapman dealt to Dodgers, complicating Nats' plans

Report: Aroldis Chapman dealt to Dodgers, complicating Nats' plans
NASHVILLE - For the second straight day, the Nationals appear to have lost out on a possible prominent bullpen target. FOXSports.com was first to report the Dodgers agreed to send two prospects to the Reds for closer Aroldis Chapman. The deal is pending a review of medical records, according to the report. The Nationals had reportedly been in trade talks for Chapman, who pitched out of Dusty Baker's bullpen when the new Nats skipper managed in Cincinnati from 2010-2013. The Nationals'...

If Nationals are boxed out on Darren O'Day and Aroldis Chapman, what's Plan B?

If Nationals are boxed out on Darren O'Day and Aroldis Chapman, what's Plan B?
NASHVILLE - A few days ago, the projected outlook for the reconstruction of the Nationals bullpen appeared optimistic. Many believed Washington was in the driver's seat to land right-hander Darren O'Day, considered the best free agent reliever on the market after his All-Star season with the Orioles. The next step was expected to be a blockbuster deal to acquire coveted Reds closer Aroldis Chapman, solving the Jonathan Papelbon debacle. Now, barely a few hours into baseball's Winter...

If Aroldis Chapman is acquired, who pitches eighth inning?

If Aroldis Chapman is acquired, who pitches eighth inning?
The Nationals bullpen has been knocked around a couple of times in the last week. Fortifying this concern is the ongoing issue of not having a fireballer eighth inning setup man following the departure of Tyler Clippard to the Athletics last season. Casey Janssen is a veteran reliever that certainly works fast, but is more of a finesse pitcher. He has done a good job as the eighth inning guy recently. Manager Matt Williams has mentioned him in that spot a few times in the last week. Janssen has...

Fister scoreless rehab start and what about Chapman rumors? (updated)

Fister scoreless rehab start and what about Chapman rumors? (updated)
The Nationals have hit a heavy skid the past two weeks, losing 11 of their last 14 games. One reason is the amount of starters that have been placed on the disabled list. Offensive starters like Denard Span, Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman and Anthony Rendon have spent a good amount of time unable to play in regular season games due to various injuries and setbacks. The pitching staff has been hit significantly as well with starters Doug Fister and Stephen Strasburg on the disabled list. Craig...

Strasburg versus Reds in June?

Strasburg versus Reds in June?
With the team announcement that Nationals number one overall selection Stephen Strasburg is moving on to the Syracuse Chiefs, I project the possible May starts for #37, and if all goes well, his first major league baseball start would be in early June for the home series against the Cincinnati Reds. Jim Callis, Executive Editor of Baseball America told me it makes sense for the Nats to have Strasburg in Harrisburg for a month, Syracuse for a month, then bring him up for 100 innings before...