The Washington Nationals have spent years steering their pitching toward power arms, and the farm system now reflects that shift. Miguel Sime Jr., Travis Sykora, and Jarlin Susana all sit among the organization’s promising pitchers, each with a path that could eventually lead to the major league rotation.
But the bullpen remains the glaring issue, and the 2026 version of it was rough enough to leave fans frustrated on a nightly basis. Washington does have a couple of relievers who could grow into meaningful roles - right-handers Yovanny Cruz and Riley Cornelio among them - yet neither has done enough to be penciled in as a long-term answer.
That is why Adrian Morejon stands out so sharply. The former San Diego Padre enters the 2027 free agent class as one of the best relief options available, and Spotrac pegs his market at 3 years and $35 million, or a little under $11 million a season.
The case for him is pretty simple: the results were excellent, and the underlying numbers back it up. Morejon threw 86.0 innings for the Padres and finished with an ERA under 3.00 for the third straight year. On Baseball Savant, he landed in the 90th percentile or better in every category except BB% - where he checked in at the 57th percentile - and Extension, where he ranked in the 28th.
The strikeouts took another jump, blowing past his previous career high by 36, while his walk rate held steady at roughly the same level it has been in recent seasons. Even in the postseason, he gave up one run across his two playoff appearances and ended October with 4.0 innings and that lone run charged to him.
Morejon’s stuff is the kind that makes hitters look uncomfortable before the ball even reaches the plate. His fastball averaged 99.4 MPH in 2026, and he was overpowering hitters with the same sort of force associated with Jacob Misiorowskis and Mason Millers.
He has worked exclusively as a setup man so far, but Washington could try to sell him on a bigger role. The Nationals would have a clear opening if they wanted to pitch him as their primary closer, and if they’re serious about adding another elite bullpen weapon, Morejon is exactly the type of arm they should chase.
In Other News...
Mike Rizzo Is Suddenly Tied To A Nationals Nightmare
Mike Rizzo is back in the mix for a major front-office job, with the Astros interviewing the former Nationals general manager for their vacant GM position. Rizzo spent years running Washingtons baseball operations and oversaw the clubs 2019 World Series championship before being fired in 2025, leaving behind a rsum that still carries real weight around the industry.
For Nationals fans, the uneasy part is less about where Rizzo might land than who else is in the search and what it says about the post-Rizzo era in Washington. Houston is moving quickly to replace its GM, also talking with Brewers assistant general manager Matt Klein as it tries to have a decision in place before the upcoming general managers meetings, another reminder of how far the Astros have moved on while the Nationals are still living with the aftermath of their own reset. [Read more 🡒]
Red Sox Shortstop Question Could Reopen A Trade They Already Explored
Bostons deadline shopping spree already brought in Adley Rutschman, Curtis Mead and Eli White, but the Red Sox also spent time exploring a different kind of upgrade in the middle infield. Before the 2026 deadline, they were linked to Washington shortstop CJ Abrams and Angels shortstop Zach Neto, a sign that they were not just chasing help for the stretch run but also looking ahead at a position they clearly wanted to stabilize.
Abrams fits that mold for a club still weighing longer-term options at shortstop, and his strong 2026 season only adds to the intrigue around a player Boston considered before the market got too expensive. The Nationals, meanwhile, know they have a sought-after piece if the Red Sox circle back again, even if any real conversation would likely start with the same obstacle that stopped a deal the first time: the price. [Read more 🡒]
Nationals Still Have A Catcher Question This Winter
The Nationals are spending this winter trying to round out a roster that can hold up over a full season, and catcher remains one of the spots worth watching. With Riley Adams no longer in the picture, Washington has been left to sort through its remaining options behind Keibert Ruiz while also making sure there is enough organizational depth to handle the usual wear and tear that comes with the position.
One possible fit is Jorge Alfaro, who is now available after being released by the Royals. Alfaro already spent time with Washington in 2025, appearing in 14 games, and his big-league track record gives the Nationals a familiar fallback if they want another experienced glove in the system. He would not be brought in to change the top of the depth chart, but he could give the club another layer of insurance behind Ruiz and Harry Ford as the offseason unfolds. [Read more 🡒]