Nationals pick up an interesting option for their bullpen
The Nationals are reportedly nearing an agreement to sign veteran reliever Lucas Sims. The 30-year-old pitched for both the Reds and Red Sox last season, posting a 4.38 ERA in 58 appearances. In 2023, Sims performed well in Cincinnati, recording a 3.10 ERA over 67 games.
Sims stands out from typical bullpen depth options due to his impressive pitching repertoire. His high-spin breaking balls, particularly his curveball and sweeper, generate spin rates over 3,000 RPM, ranking among the highest in baseball.
However, his potential has been inconsistent, largely due to control issues, as he has walked over 12% of batters throughout his career. But if the Nationals’ coaching staff can refine his command, Sims may be primed for a breakout season. At 30, he’s still in his prime for a reliever, and many bullpen arms have strong seasons later in their careers.
Additionally, Sims has worked with Driveline this offseason, which has led to an increase in his velocity. During workouts, he reached 98 MPH, up from his 94 MPH average last season. With his strikeout ability already established, an improved fastball could lead to a dominant performance.
We’ll continue to follow this story as more information becomes available.
