In discussing what the Nationals are looking for this offseason, at least in terms of help with their bullpen, Washington GM and president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo spoke to reporters at last week’s winter meetings. He said he was in the market for reliable, established talent. Provides a consistent outing.
“We have a good, talented major league reliever that we can rely on,” Rizzo explained.I think so [Nats’ manager Davey Martinez] Well, every manager likes multi-out pitchers, pitchers who can hit on a continuous basis, but that’s difficult with young kids. ”
Rizzo also talked about the need to add a bat at either third base, first base or left field.
“I think I’ll be actively looking for a bat that can hit the corners of the infield again this year,” he said.
“Whether it’s third base, first base, DH, left field, it’s a combination of all three.”
Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images
Rizzo and his colleagues in the Nationals’ front office addressed both of these needs (to some extent) On Monday afternoon, they announced the signing of veteran reliever Dylan Floro, 32, and confirmed the previously reported signing of third baseman Nick Senzel, 28. He was a 2016 first-round pick and played five years in the majors with the Cincinnati Reds. They selected him with the second overall pick in that year’s draft.
Frollo made his major league debut with the Tampa Bay Rays, bringing eight years of experience to the Nationals’ bullpen mix (drafted him in the 13th round) Appeared in 2012, chicago cubs, cincinnati reds, los angeles dodgers (win world series Ring with LA in 2020), Miami Marlins, and minnesota twins during his career.
The right-handed relief pitcher has a “…(5 wins, 6 losses) ERA of 4.76, [a 3.43 FIP]made seven saves in 62 relief appearances between Miami and Minnesota in 2023,” Washington said in a press release about the deal last night.
“[Floro] He struck out 58 batters in 56.2 innings,” adding, “…is one of only eight pitchers in Major League Baseball with at least 30 saves and 25 holds since the start of the 2021 season. , has joined the new team.” Teammate Kyle Finnegan is also on that list.”
It also added that Floro “…ranks 7th among Major League relief pitchers in home runs allowed per 9.0 innings (10 HR/198.2 IP) since the start of the 2020 season.”
He saved 15 games with the Marlins in 2021, 10 in 2022, and seven more with the Fish in 2023 before being traded to the Twins.
Frollo played in 62 games last year and pitched at least an inning five times. Where would he fit in the Nationals’ bullpen?
Asked during the winter meetings whether he envisions Finnegan and Hunter Harvey playing the closer role again in 2024, manager Davey Martinez said another reliever will also have a chance. He said it was possible.
“Finnegan, Harvey, maybe someone else. Yeah,” he said.
What about Senzel?
Mark Zuckerman of MASN pointed out: The former Reds infielder, who played all three positions in Cincinnati: second base, third base, and outfield, said, “I plan to start at third base with the Nationals.”
Nick Senzel’s one-year deal is worth $2 million plus incentives, while Dylan Floro’s is worth $2.25 million plus incentives.
Learn more about the Nats’ newest players here. https://t.co/mxk4BKPew4
— MASN Nationals (@masnNationals) December 12, 2023
He has only played 62 games in the third in his career, and as the MASN reporter added, the club is likely waiting to see what Brady House, a 2021 first-round pick and doubles player, is capable of. There is a high possibility that he will be a stopgap player while he is in the middle of the game. He will enter the Nationals’ system in 2023 at age 19-20.
Senzel “…is coming off a season in which he hit a career-high 13 home runs and tied a career-high with 42 RBIs.”[s] in 104 games” for the Reds.
“He added 10 doubles, 26 walks, six stolen bases, and 49 runs scored, hitting .236 with a .399 slugging percentage. A versatile defender, Senzel played third base (57 G), left field (23 G), and center field. (18G), right fielder (18G), second baseman (6G), and designated hitter (4G). 2023.
Last year, the right-handed hitter appeared in 126 at-bats against left-handed pitchers and hit a line of .348/.389/.619, with nine of his 13 home runs coming from left-handed batters and a .164 batting average. The season ended with /. .240/.257 line vs. right-handed pitcher.
Nick Senzel gives Nationals $2 million plus $1 million PB
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 7, 2023
For his career, he posted a .287/.334/.460 line in 409 PA vs. left-handed pitchers, but a .219/.288/.330 line vs. right-handed pitchers (957 PA). did.
To make room on the roster, the club announced it has designated 25-year-old Jeter Downs for assignment. He played in six games with the Nationals in 2023, going 2-for-5 (.400) with one RBI, two stolen bases, four walks, and four runs scored. ”
The Nationals’ 40-man roster is now 40 players.
