Free agency is open for all teams in MLB, not just the usual suspects.
Contenders are usually the ones paying the highes prices for the best free agents, but rebuilding teams also need to fill out their rosters with competitive players within their budget.
We have seen the Pittsburgh Pirates and even the Oakland Athletics making moves this offseason.
The Washington Nationals, owners of the worst record in baseball this past season with just 55 victories, just made a minor signing to shore up their pitching staff.
In reality, they are re-signing one of their own free agents, since he pitched for them in 2022.
“Erasmo Ramirez goes back to the Nationals. One year MLB deal with reachable bonuses to get to $2M plus,” MLB insider Jon Heyman tweeted.
Erasmo Ramirez goes back to the Nationals. One year MLB deal with reachable bonuses to get to $2M plus.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 15, 2022
Ramirez Had An Incredibly Solid Season With The Nationals
Ramirez is 32 and will turn 33 when the 2023 campaign is underway, but he had a very solid season and is an excellent option as a long reliever.
In 86.1 innings with the Nats, the right-hander posted an impressive 2.92 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and a 61/14 K/BB ratio.
He made two starts and accumulated 58 relief appearances with Washington.
If he goes off to a strong start next season, it’s not out of the possibility that he is used as a trade piece to lure a prospect or two.
He has the ability to adapt his arm to a variety of roles: he can make a spot start or two if needed, he can be a traditional one-inning reliever, a bulk reliever, or a two-inning weapon out of the bullpen.
That kind of arm has value for a franchise, even a rebuilding one like the Nationals.
