Washington Nationals returning pitcher reveals team’s plan for him next season

As the MLB offseason approaches, one of the needs of the Washington Nationals launched.

The team needed experience in both the starting rotation and the bullpen.

Patrick Corbin And Trevor Williams were both free agents, leaving MacKenzie Gore, who has 372.2 innings pitched at the Major League level in his career, as the most seasoned starter on the roster.

With Kyle Finnegan not being tendered, an already thin bullpen was made thinner.

The team also traded Robert Garcia to Texas Rangers in exchange for a first baseman Nathaniel Lowe.

While the reliever market is slowly growing, the starter market is on fire.

Free agents are signing lucrative, record-breaking contracts while teams unload large prospect packages to acquire established veterans in trades.

This has led to the Nationals playing slowly when it comes to getting better on the mound. But just before the start of the new year, they took action.

Washington announced it would bring Williams back, as both sides agreed to a two-year, $14 million deal. This is great value for the Nationals given how much money other franchises have paid.

The veteran’s first season in the nation’s capital did not go well as he made 30 starts and recorded a 5.55 ERA in 144.1 innings. The sophomore year was plagued by injuries, as he made only 13 starts and pitched 66.2 innings.

However, his production was remarkable.

Williams posted a 2.03 ERA and 2.6 WAR, striking out 59 and allowing just three home runs. This was a considerable improvement from 2023, when he allowed a National League-high 34 long balls.

With his experience as a starter and reliever, the veteran right-hander will offer Washington good flexibility and versatility within its pitching staff.

What will its role be in 2025?

MASN’s Mark Zuckerman shared that Williams revealed the team informed him he would be a starting pitcher, while joking that second base and shortstop were also being considered for him next year .

As it stands, that means the rotation of Gore, Williams, Jake Irvin, Mitchell Parker and DJ Herz could be what the team rolls with to start 2025.

As a starter, Williams made 161 appearances and posted a 47-52 record. He has a 4.36 ERA in 832.2 innings with 662 strikeouts.

His veteran presence will be greatly appreciated on such a young team looking to make big strides in its rebuild in 2025.