In an effort to bolster their bullpen depth, Friday the Washington Nationals signed veteran right-handed reliever Luis Ayala to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.  Ayala, an original member of the inaugural 2005 Nationals team that brought baseball back to Washington, spent last season pitching for Baltimore and Atlanta, combining to post a 3.27 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 33 innings pitched.  For his 9-year career, the 36-year-old Ayala has a 3.34 ERA, a 1.299 WHIP, and 367 strikeouts over 554.1 innings pitched. 

Ayala is primarily a two-pitch reliever at this point in his career, featuring an 89-91mph sinker and a hard, 85mph slider, and will flash the occasional changeup, curveball, and four-seam fastball.  A proven middle reliever who limits walks (only 2.26 BB/9) and home runs (0.88 HR/9), Ayala will compete for one of the final spots in the Nationals’ 2014 bullpen. 

With Rafael Soriano, Tyler Clippard, Drew Storen, Craig Stammen, and Jerry Blevins seemingly guaranteed spots in the bullpen, and Ross Ohlendorf, Christian Garcia, Aaron Barrett, Erik Davis, Xavier Cedeno, Ryan Mattheus, Tanner Roark, along with Ayala, competing in spring training for only two possible spots, the Nationals have quickly built some considerable bullpen depth as they enter the 2014 season.  That said Ayala is a veteran reliever capable of pitching multiple innings and could provide the Nationals’ relief corps with a dimension they currently lack.  His versatility and experience give him an excellent chance of pitching for Washington this season, and makes Ayala one of the better minor league signings this winter.  General manager Mike Rizzo should be credited for continuing to acquire quality depth for the Nationals late in the offseason.  This signing is like free beer – it’s difficult not to like.