The Nationals have finally shaken things up in their bullpen, signing veteran Andrew Chafin
Mike Rizzo has finally seen enough of the current bullpen. He has signed veteran relief arm Andrew Chafin on a major league contract per sources.
Left-hander Andrew Chafin in agreement with Nationals on major-league contract, source tells @TheAthletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 1, 2025
The 34 year old left hander has been a reliable middle reliever for many years. He has a 3.42 career ERA in over 600 appearances. Last year he pitched for the Tigers and Rangers, posting a solid 3.51 ERA in 62 outings. So far this year he has been in the Tigers minor league system. Chafin’s arsenal revolves around a filthy slider that generates massive whiff numbers.
The corresponding move was the DFA of Colin Poche. With another lefty coming aboard, it is easy to see why the struggling lefty got DFA’d. Honestly, I hope that Poche clears waivers and gets a chance to work on his command in Rochester.
The stuff is there for him, but he has not thrown enough strikes. Strikes have been an issue for Chafin the past couple years, walking over 12% of batters each of the last two seasons. However, he has gotten good strikeout numbers and avoids the barrel.
This is a guy that can stabilize an awful Nats bullpen. He also has a big personality that could bring the group together. Props to Mike Rizzo for making a move to fix an untenable situation.