"Heading into this season, it does not really appear as if the Nationals have a firm plan for their closer role. The last few years, they have trotted out righty Kyle Finnegan as their late-inning guy, which even culminated in an All-Star appearance for him back in 2024, but he was traded to the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline last year."
"To finish out the 2025 season, the Nationals turned closing opportunities over to young flamethrowing lefty Jose A. Ferrer, and he was supposed to be the guy heading into 2026 for the Nationals in the ninth inning. He had been touted by many outlets as a popular breakout pick heading into this season, but he was of course traded to the Seattle Mariners in the Harry Ford deal."
"Soriano owns a career 5.95 ERA and 1.475 WHIP in 72 games at the big league level, but has also struck out 36 batters in 36.2 innings, showcasing at least some swing-and-miss ability although not quite at the level that you would want to see from a leverage reliever. His entire big league career has been spent with the Marlins so far, and he will look to battle to make"
Washington's new front office has been active on the waiver wire to rebuild a weak 2025 bullpen and adjust final 40-man roster spots. Kyle Finnegan was traded at the 2025 deadline, and Jose A. Ferrer, who closed late in 2025 and was expected to be the 2026 ninth-inning option, was traded to Seattle in the Harry Ford deal. The Nationals have not replaced Ferrer's late-inning role, prompting the claim of righty George Soriano from the Marlins. Soriano has limited late-inning experience, a 5.95 ERA, 1.475 WHIP, and 36 strikeouts in 36.2 innings.
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