Five Free-Agent Pitchers Who Could Fit the Nationals

The Nationals stayed in the playoff picture through much of the summer, then faltered near the trade deadline and sold players for prospects. Their offense also cooled in the second half, while the bullpen remained unsettled. Still, players ended the season encouraged by the franchise’s development plans and direction. Cavalli, a right-handed pitcher who agreed to a $47 million extension spanning four years in September, said the organization was focused on winning.

With the collective bargaining agreement set to expire on December 1 and a lockout considered likely, this offseason is a test of the Nationals’ ambitions. The team needs a dependable starter and could use several bullpen additions. One possible starter is Dodgers left-hander Kris Bubic, whose ability to miss bats and generate ground balls could help a club that gave up 218 home runs. But he has dealt with shoulder and elbow issues, and his walk rate rose to 11.5%. Spotrac estimates his market value at about $17 million annually.

Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd offers extensive starting experience, with 221 career starts, but his strikeout rate fell to 18.5% in 2026 and his walks increased. He made 22 starts before a knee injury put him on the injured list. The Nationals would need to judge whether they could help him recover his earlier form.

For the bullpen, Diamondbacks right-hander Kevin Ginkel stands out for his 26.2% strikeout rate and 6.2% walk rate, despite a 4.12 ERA. Rockies right-hander Jordan Romano could be a lower-cost gamble: he pitched only 33 2/3 innings, but limited hard contact at hitter-friendly Coors Field. Dodgers left-hander Alex Vesia recorded a 2.64 ERA and struck out 31.2% of batters, though his walk rate was 13.5%. His six-season run in Los Angeles has left his next move uncertain.