Three Underrated Relievers the Nationals Should Target Before the Trade Deadline

As the trade deadline approaches, the Washington Nationals are once again evaluating potential relievers to bolster their roster. While many names may dominate the headlines, there are a few under-the-radar options that could prove to be impactful for the team both now and in the future.

First on the list is Brennan Bernardino, a left-handed reliever with a background in Boston. After being traded to the Colorado Rockies in the offseason, Bernardino has quietly established himself as a reliable option. The Nationals’ bullpen has struggled, and finding a lefty arm is a pressing need. Bernardino stands out as an upgrade over current options like Tom Cosgrove and Carson Palquist, as well as the injured PJ Poulin and Richard Lovelady.

Bernardino’s ability to limit hard contact is impressive; he ranks in the 96th percentile for average exit velocity and hard-hit rate. With a career ERA of 3.31 over the past four seasons and an even more impressive 2.74 ERA this year, especially while playing half of his games at Coors Field, Bernardino has proven he can thrive in different environments. At 34 years old, he has three years of control remaining and could be a cost-effective solution for the Nationals.

The second candidate, Elvis Alvarado, presents a more high-risk, high-reward scenario. Standing at 6’6”, Alvarado relies heavily on a fastball that averages 99 MPH, but his results this season have been inconsistent, sporting a 5.40 ERA. His primary challenge lies in keeping the ball off the barrel, as evidenced by a troubling 19.2% barrel rate. If he can refine his approach and enhance his secondary pitches, Alvarado possesses the potential for significant upside, having previously posted a 3.19 ERA last season.

Alvarado’s strikeout rate exceeds 29%, and while his fastball is formidable, diversifying his pitch selection could elevate his performance. Increasing his splitter usage, which has shown promise in limited appearances, might be key to unlocking his full potential. Interestingly, Alvarado originally signed with the Nationals as an outfielder before making the transition to pitching, further adding to his unique profile.

Finally, Chase Silseth, who has transitioned from starting to relieving, is another intriguing option. With a 2.79 ERA this season and 47 strikeouts in 38.2 innings, Silseth’s four-pitch mix has proven effective in generating swings and misses. His fastball, split, and sweeper are particularly effective, with the 4-seamer boasting an impressive 36.8% whiff rate. Although he needs to improve his control—he currently holds a 12.4% walk rate—his potential makes him a valuable asset for the Nationals.

While the Nationals are expected to make some moves leading up to the deadline, it’s likely they will target players like Bernardino, Alvarado, and Silseth. General Manager Paul Toboni is anticipated to balance the need for immediate contributions with long-term strategies, sending a strong message to the clubhouse about the team’s direction.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.