The Washington Nationals have made significant strides in bolstering their bullpen by officially signing veteran reliever Lucas Sims to a one-year, $3 million contract. The deal was reported by Andrew Golden of The Washington Post, coinciding with Mason Thompson being placed on the 60-day injured list. Sims, who boasts a career ERA of 4.50 since his debut in 2017, has shown promise as a strikeout pitcher but has struggled with consistency. Following a solid 2023 season with a 3.10 ERA and an impressive 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings, the Nationals are optimistic that Sims can regain his form and contribute effectively to their bullpen.

Lucas Sims, a seasoned reliever in Major League Baseball, is reportedly nearing a deal with the Washington Nationals after spending 2023 with the Cincinnati Reds. The 30-year-old has a career ERA of 4.50 and was previously with the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox. His 2023 performance included 67 appearances, though he struggled with a 6.43 ERA after being traded to Boston.

The Nationals are on the lookout for a new closer after non-tendering Kyle Finnegan. Sims might play a crucial role in the team's bullpen, especially given Washington's promising prospects like Dylan Crews and MacKenzie Gore. The franchise finished fourth in the National League East last season but has a bright future with its young talent.

The Washington Nationals are on the verge of strengthening their bullpen by signing veteran right-handed reliever Lucas Sims, previously with the Boston Red Sox after being traded midseason from the Cincinnati Reds. Sims had a promising start in 2024, posting a 3.57 ERA before struggling with a 6.43 ERA post-trade. Historically, he has exhibited resilience, overcoming early career challenges. The Nationals aim to enhance their closing options, having already acquired several impactful arms this offseason, including Jorge López and Colin Poche.

This infusion of talent, blending youth and experience, is pivotal as the franchise looks to build around its emerging star prospects. If Sims can return to form, he might play a crucial role in the Nationals' bullpen dynamics, which presents an intriguing opportunity for both the team and fantasy managers alike.

The Atlanta Braves are facing a significant challenge in their bullpen as right-hander Joe Jiménez is sidelined due to surgery and lefty A.J. Minter is reportedly heading to the New York Mets. Despite signing several pitchers to minor league contracts this offseason, the Braves have yet to make a significant addition to their bullpen. With the offseason clock ticking, they are exploring affordable relief pitcher options for potential Major League contracts.

Colin Poche, a left-handed pitcher formerly with the Tampa Bay Rays, is on the market after posting a 3.86 ERA in 43 appearances in 2024, although he had previously achieved a 2.23 ERA when healthy. Lucas Sims, once a Brave, had a mixed year with the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox, finishing with a 3.57 ERA but showing promise in September after recovering from injury.

Other candidates include Matt Moore, who had a successful stint before regressing in 2024, and Kyle Finnegan, a 2024 All-Star with the Nationals. The Braves are looking for low-risk, high-reward signings to bolster their bullpen as the new season approaches.