The Washington Nationals made a key move to bolster their bullpen on Wednesday, agreeing to terms with free agent reliever Lucas Sims on a one-year contract. Sims, a 30-year-old right-hander, split the 2024 season between the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox, posting a combined 4.38 ERA with 58 strikeouts in 58 appearances.
A former first-round pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2012, Sims brings an intriguing mix of experience and upside to a Nationals relief corps looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024 campaign. Over his eight-year MLB career, Sims has compiled a 22-19 record with a 4.50 ERA and 12 saves, showcasing the ability to miss bats with 353 strikeouts in 306 innings pitched.
Strengthening the Nationals’ Pitching Depth
The addition of Sims is the latest in a series of offseason moves designed to overhaul the Nationals’ pitching staff. Earlier this winter, Washington signed starters Michael Soroka and Shinnosuke Ogasawara, as well as reliever Jorge López, in an effort to address the team’s glaring need for quality arms.
Sims figures to slot into a setup role in front of closer Tanner Rainey, providing manager Dave Martinez with a battle-tested option in high-leverage situations. His ability to generate swings and misses, particularly with his breaking ball, could prove invaluable in neutralizing the potent lineups of National League East rivals like the Mets, Braves, and Phillies.
Making Room on the Roster
To clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Sims, the Nationals placed right-hander Mason Thompson on the 60-day injured list. Thompson, who underwent Tommy John surgery last fall, is expected to miss the entire 2025 season as he recovers from the procedure.
Betting on a Bounce-Back
For Sims, the one-year pact with the Nationals represents an opportunity to reestablish his value after an inconsistent 2024 season. Despite flashing dominant stuff at times, he struggled with his command and home run prevention, leading to inflated ERA and WHIP numbers.
I’m excited to join the Nationals organization and compete for a championship. I believe my best baseball is ahead of me, and I can’t wait to get to work with the coaching staff and my new teammates.
– Lucas Sims on signing with the Nationals
If Sims can harness his electric arsenal and limit the long balls, he has the potential to emerge as a key cog in the Nationals’ revamped bullpen. His experience in both setup and closer roles gives Martinez valuable flexibility when deploying his relief corps in critical situations.
The Road Ahead
As spring training kicks into high gear, Sims will look to make a strong first impression on his new team. The Nationals are counting on their offseason acquisitions to help turn the page on a disappointing 91-loss season and vault the club back into contention in a loaded NL East.
With a reshaped rotation and a deeper, more talented bullpen, Washington appears poised to make significant strides in 2025. The signing of Lucas Sims may not grab the headlines like some of the team’s other moves, but it could prove to be a savvy, under-the-radar addition that pays dividends down the stretch.
As the Nationals embark on a new era, the Lucas Sims signing represents yet another piece of the puzzle falling into place. The veteran reliever brings a wealth of experience and strikeout stuff to a bullpen in need of both, giving fans reason for optimism as the team sets its sights on a return to the postseason promised land.
