Nationals' Bullpen: Unproven, Urgent

0:00It's March 25th. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Washington Nationals News today, or AI Power Team Report. The Washington Nationals had one of the worst bullpins in Major League Baseball last year, finishing with an earned run average over 5.0, matching just one other team in 2025. Now they're gearing up for a major rebound in 2026 after bolstering their starting rotation. But as opening day nears, that relief course still raises some eyebrows. Holdovers, Brad Lorde and Cole Henry anchor the group, both debuting last season and logging nearly full years. Lay 2025 pickups, Clayton Beecher and PJ. Poland rounded out strong finishes, while offseason moves brought in Sionel Perez on a free agent deal, Andre Grinillo via trade from the Cardinals. And, waiver claims Gus Barland and Ken Waldechuk. Fans and analysts worry about the lack of big league seasoning, with only Perez and Waldechuk boasting full MLB seasons under their belts.

1:01The rest are young or unproven, and there's no name closer after moving on from Kyle Finnegan. Guys like Henry, Poland, and Perez have late inning experience, but it's anyone's guess who locks down the ninth. These pitches carry mixed resumes. Perez dominated back in 2022 with the Orioles. Grinillo impressed in the minors, but others like. Waldechuk struggled in AAA. Without a proven star, Lorde and Beecher will need breakout years to stabilize things and help the Nats compete. The season tips off Thursday, March 26th, on the road against the Chicago Cubs, giving an early look at whether this revamped unit can deliver. The reliability Washington desperately needs.