The Washington Nationals are not a team we have heard much from so far this offseason.
Washington is not usually a team that spends a lot of money in free agency.
Especially in the middle of a rebuild, they do not want to take on any huge contracts.
But, the Nationals did sign slugger Joey Gallo to a one-year deal to show they want to compete in 2024.
To follow up that Gallo signing the Nationals made another move for a veteran.
According to Andrew Golden, the Nationals have signed Richard Bleier to a minor league contract.
The Nationals have signed Richard Bleier to a minor league contract, per source.
The 36 year old lefty spent last season with the Boston Red Sox before being DFA’d in August. 3.27 ERA over 8 major league seasons.
— Andrew Golden (@andrewcgolden) February 1, 2024
Bleier is nothing more than a depth piece for spring training.
But, if he pitches well enough he could find himself in the Nationals bullpen this year.
His career ERA may be 3.27 but he did not pitch well for Boston last year.
He appeared in 27 games for the Red Sox and had an ERA of 5.28.
Bleier is what many people refer to as a “crafty lefty.”
He will not overpower any hitter and his strikeout numbers are low.
But, he can still get hitters out by keeping them off balance and forcing weak contact.
It will be interesting to see what the Nationals look like in 2024.
They have a very young team that needs time to develop.
Seeing the Nationals increase their win total for a third consecutive season is the priority.
In 2021 they won 55 games, followed by 71 last season.
If they can win in the high 70s or even low 80s this year that would be great for a team that has suffered over the last few years.
NEXT: Nationals Unveil A New Look For 2024