Last week I stated that while Bryce Harper is the biggest storyline in Washington’s offseason plans, the biggest present team needs are a #3 starter, a starting catcher plus an elite setup reliever.  Wednesday I identified several mid-rotation pitchers to replace Gio Gonzalez, and Friday I named five catchers who could take over the starting role in 2019.

Today, our attention turns to the bullpen, and finding a high-quality reliever to lock down the 8^th inning and get the ball to closer Sean Doolittle.  The Nationals could re-sign in-house options Kelvin Herrera or Greg Holland, but if not, below are three free agents and three trade options to bolster Washington’s bullpen.

Free Agents

Jeurys Familia                    RHP        Oakland Athletics

A long-time stalwart in the Mets bullpen, Familia was traded midseason to Oakland and continued his stellar work, posting a 3.13 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 72 innings pitched.  Aside from a difficult 2017 season, Familia has thrown 70+ innings in four of the past five seasons, with an ERA never higher than 3.13.  He will not lack for suitors this winter, but Washington would be wise to bring Familia to Washington to lock down the 8^th inning ahead of Sean Doolittle.

Adam Ottavino                  RHP        Colorado Rockies

After scuffling early in his career as a starter, Colorado shifted Ottavino to relief and he blossomed into one of the best setup men in baseball.  Last season Ottavino provided Colorado with a 2.43 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 77.2 innings pitched: these numbers are even more impressive considering he pitches half his games at Coors Field.  The almost 33-year-old will reach free agency for the first time this winter and will be one of the most coveted relievers on the market.

David Robertson               RHP        New York Yankees
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One of the most consistent relievers in baseball the past decade, Robertson again had a strong 2018 for the Yankees, throwing 69.2 innings with a 3.23 ERA and 91 strikeouts.  Robertson will be 34-year-old on Opening Day 2019 and has 650+ major league innings under his belt, making him a potentially risky investment on a multiyear pact.  However, he is as reliable as any reliever in baseball and his postseason experience, coupled with 137 career saves, would make him a terrific addition to Washington’s bullpen.

Trade Targets

Alex Colome        RHP        Seattle Mariners

After years of working as Tampa’s relief ace, Seattle acquired Colome this summer to strengthen their bullpen in front of elite closer Edwin Diaz.  The 29-year-old had a terrific 2018, throwing 68 innings with a 3.04 ERA and 72 strikeouts.  Colome might not be available this winter, as Seattle is neither rebuilding nor cutting payroll, but with a projected $7.3 million 2019 salary and two years of team control, they might market him to improve other areas of weakness.  If so, Washington should pounce on the opportunity to bring Colome to Washington.

Raisel Iglesias     RHP        Cincinnati Reds

Despite playing for mediocre teams the past several years, Iglesias has established himself as one of the better closers in baseball, posting a 2.97 ERA and 64 saves in his first four professional seasons.  Stuck in a small media market and in the midst of a rebuild, Cincinnati has a difficult decision whether or not to trade Iglesias, who has three years of team control remaining.  He will be expensive to acquire and will attract numerous suitors this winter, yet would be a perfect fit in Washington’s bullpen.

Nate Jones          RHP        Chicago White Sox

Somewhat stealthy, Nate Jones has been one of the better setup men in the American League the past several years, posting a 3.11 ERA and 308 strikeouts in 281 career innings pitched.  Unfortunately, the 32-year-old has battled injuries the past two seasons, limiting him to only 41.1 innings across 2017 and 2018.  He is scheduled to earn $4.65 million next season and is under contract through 2021, making him an appealing target in trade discussions this winter.  Chicago is still early into their rebuild and could seek to add additional prospect depth to their system.