The Nationals are take it home Signed Trevor Williams to a two-year contract worth $14 million. The veteran right-hander, who originally signed with the Nats on a two-year, $13 million deal before the 2023 season, received a $1 million increase.
After a disastrous 2023 season in which he posted a 5.55 ERA, Williams had a big bounce-back season. Williams missed most of the season due to injury, but performed well when healthy. he posted ERA 2.03 Over 13 starts.
A big reason for Williams’ success was the way he was used. The Nationals rarely allowed Williams to face batters three times as a starter and limited him to five innings most of the time. Williams also trained here. drive line Last offseason, the pitch mix was optimized. Most notably, he added a sweeper. very effective Give him the pitch.
If Williams can perform close to his 2024 level, this is a bargain. However, Williams was an inconsistent pitcher throughout his career. He doesn’t have anything dominant and relies on pinpoint command to succeed. If that fails, he has nothing to fall back on.
The Nationals currently have six favorite starters heading into spring training. Mackenzie Gore, DJ Hurts, Jake Irvin, Michael Soroka, Mitchell Parker and Trevor Williams are all part of the Nationals’ rotation. It’s very likely the Nats will start the season with a six-man rotation.
But signing Williams is another example of the Nats settling on a cheaper option. They haven’t signed a contract worth more than that yet. $15 million Since the off-season of the 2020/21 season. There’s still time to make that happen this offseason, but it feels increasingly unlikely.
