The Washington Nationals are making moves to strengthen their pitching staff for the 2024 season and beyond. According to multiple reports, the team has agreed to terms with right-handed starter Trevor Williams on a two-year, $14 million contract, pending a physical.
Bringing Back a Familiar Face
Williams, 32, is no stranger to the Nationals organization. He spent the past two seasons in Washington, although his 2024 campaign was limited to just 13 starts due to a muscle strain in his throwing arm that sidelined him for over three months. Despite the injury setback, the Nationals clearly saw enough potential in Williams to bring him back into the fold.
A Solid Track Record
Since making his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2016, Williams has compiled a respectable 4.30 ERA across 202 appearances (163 starts) with four different teams. His career has been marked by consistency and durability, as he topped 150 innings in three straight seasons from 2017-2019.
“Trevor is a proven starter who gives us much-needed depth and experience in our rotation. When healthy, he’s shown he can take the ball every fifth day and give us a chance to win. We’re excited to have him back.”
– Nationals GM Mike Rizzo on re-signing Williams
Stabilizing the Starting Five
The return of Williams gives the Nationals a seasoned veteran to slot into their starting rotation alongside the likes of Stephen Strasburg, Josiah Gray, and Patrick Corbin. While not a front-line ace, Williams profiles as a reliable innings-eater who can help take some pressure off the bullpen.
- Consistent strike-thrower with a 4.7% walk rate since 2020
- Keeps the ball in the park – 1.10 HR/9 over the past three seasons
- Capable of dominance – 4 career games with 10+ strikeouts
More than Just an Arm
In addition to what he brings on the mound, Williams is widely regarded as a positive clubhouse presence and mentor to younger pitchers. His professionalism and work ethic have earned him respect throughout the league.
“He’s the kind of guy you want around your young pitchers. Always willing to share his knowledge, but also leads by example with how he prepares and competes.”
– An anonymous MLB executive on Williams
The Bigger Picture
The Williams signing comes on the heels of the Nationals bringing back slugging first baseman Josh Bell on a one-year, $6 million deal. These moves signal that Washington is aiming to field a more competitive team in 2024 after finishing in last place in the NL East each of the past two seasons.
While not splashy, headline-grabbing acquisitions, the additions of proven veterans like Williams and Bell should help stabilize a young Nationals roster still finding its footing after the departure of stars like Juan Soto and Trea Turner. If they can get bounce-back performances from the likes of Strasburg and Corbin, the Nats could surprise some people in a tough division.
| Nationals Rotation | 2023 Stats |
|---|---|
| Stephen Strasburg | 0-0, 1.98 ERA in 2 starts (injury-shortened season) |
| Patrick Corbin | 7-19, 6.31 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 143 K |
| Josiah Gray | 7-10, 5.02 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 154 K |
| *Trevor Williams* | *4-5, 4.47 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 72 K (with Nats)* |
Only time will tell if the gamble on Williams pays off for the Nationals. But for a team in dire need of reliable starting pitching, this move seems like a step in the right direction as they aim to rebuild a once-proud franchise.
