Nationals Offseason: Five Pitchers Targeted to Fix Bullpen

Washington Nationals fans face a busy winter as the team prepares to address a pitching deficit that cost them the 2026 postseason. After a season where the offense regressed and the bullpen remained unstable, the franchise is turning to the free agent market. The goal is clear: secure a reliable starter and add depth to the relief corps before the collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1 and a potential lockout begins.

The Nationals allowed the fourth-most home runs in Major League Baseball this year, a total of 218. This statistic underscores the need for pitchers who induce ground balls rather than fly balls. The team also finished with the seventh-highest walk rate in the majors, a flaw that resulted in numerous unearned bases. General managers are now looking for arms that can beat hitters in the zone and limit hard contact.

Kris Bubic, a left-hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers, represents a high-upside option. The 29-year-old former All-Star has started 89 games in his career but spent the recent postseason in the bullpen, allowing two earned runs in two appearances. He missed the second half of the 2025 season with a left rotator cuff strain and dealt with elbow soreness. Spotrac projects his market value at $17 million per year, a figure the Nationals can manage now that Stephen Strasburg's contract is off the books.

Matthew Boyd, a left-hander from the Chicago Cubs, offers 221 starts of experience. However, his strikeout rate dropped to 18.5% last season, and his walk rate increased. He was limited to 22 starts in 2026 after a knee injury sustained while playing with his children. The Nationals would need to believe they can help him recapture his 2025 All-Star form to make him a viable target.

Kevin Ginkel, a right-hander from the Arizona Diamondbacks, posted a 4.12 ERA in 2026, but his underlying metrics suggest better performance is possible. His expected ERA was 3.55. He misses bats at a 26.2% rate and induces chase at a 36.1% rate. His walk rate of 6.2% ranks in the 88th percentile, offering a stark contrast to the Nationals' current relief staff. He relies on a slider and a four-seamer that averages 95.7 mph.

Jordan Romano, a right-hander from the Colorado Rockies, pitched only 33 1/3 innings this season. He limited hard contact despite pitching at hitter-friendly Coors Field. His long extension gives hitters less time to react. The Nationals view him as a low-cost option that fits their strategy of identifying relievers before they have breakout seasons, similar to how the Milwaukee Brewers acquired Trevor Megill.

Alex Vesia, a left-hander from the Los Angeles Dodgers, posted a 2.64 ERA and a 31.2% strikeout rate. He brings World Series experience to a bullpen that lacks veteran presence. His walk rate of 13.5% remains a concern, but his velocity matched his 2025 levels. Vesia recently shared an emotional tribute to Dodgers fans after their playoff elimination, signaling his readiness to seek a new role.