After a season of mysterious highs and lows, one veteran reliever is getting a chance at a fresh start in D.C. As reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and Jon Heyman at the New York Post, the Washington Nationals will sign Jorge López to a one-year contract worth $3 million, “plus incentives.” With the signing, the Nationals add bullpen strength. Right-hander Amos Willingham was designated for assignment to make room for López on the 40-man roster.
Jorge Lopez to the Nats. $3M plus incentives @Ken_Rosenthal 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 11, 2025
The 31-year-old journeyman spent the second half of 2024 with the Chicago Cubs before electing free agency at season’s end. López posted a 2.03 ERA and a 1.088 WHIP with four holds and 31 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings for the Cubs. He also converted two out of three save opportunities. That performance prompted Nationals’ president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo to nab the versatile reliever. After an arbitration dispute, the Nationals cut ties with closer Kyle Finnegan, whose value was rising.
The signing appears to be of mutual benefit to both López and the Nationals. For López, the deal brings his salary back closer to its 2023 level. That year, he earned $3.525 million while splitting time between the Minnesota Twins, Miami Marlins, and Baltimore Orioles. The Nationals get a versatile reliever who closed 23 out of 29 games for the Orioles and Twins in 2022.
Jorge López Signs with the Nationals
López has above-average velocity on both his four-seamer and sinker. When he gets it all working, he gets very good run on all five of the pitches in his arsenal. He has consistently ranked among the top relievers in run value over the past three seasons, according to Baseball Savant. His market value has increased, with his performance nearly doubling his earnings from his first eight seasons.
Originally seen as a potential starter, López has seen his role split between starter and middle relief since 2018. His breakout season was the aforementioned 2022. That year he combined for a 4-7 record, a 2.54 ERA, and a 1.183 WHIP with 72 strikeouts in 71 innings.
“El Pichu,” as he is known, was signed by the Cubs after his short tenure with the New York Mets came to a troubling end. Misapprehension over remarks López made after a tough loss on May 29 led to his release. Apparently, an attempt to put himself down in defeat was misconstrued as a putdown of the entire Mets organization.
With the move, the Nationals add bullpen strength in the midst of a rebuild. The starting rotation features a mix of young talent, including lefties DJ Herz, 24, and Mitchell Parker, 25. They’re supported by veteran Trevor Williams, who bounced back in 2024 after a run of injuries to put up very good numbers.
The Nats’ young relief core is led by 34-year-old veteran Derek Law, who recorded 17 holds for them last season. The Nationals will be looking for leadership from López for a stable of relievers who, apart from Law, average in age around 26 years old. The Nationals and Rizzo might not be done shopping this offseason, but the addition of López should bolster their roster.
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