Nationals’ New Bullpen Additions Shine in Spring Training

As the Washington Nationals gear up for the upcoming season, the additions of two seasoned relievers, Drew Smith and Cionel Perez, have begun to capture attention in camp. Both players, who signed minor league deals just as spring training commenced, bring a wealth of experience but are looking to rebound after facing challenges in recent years. With several bullpen spots open, the competition is fierce, and both Smith and Perez are making strong cases for inclusion.

In their initial appearances, each pitcher has thrown two scoreless innings, showcasing their potential. Perez, in particular, has demonstrated remarkable sharpness on the mound. After a difficult previous season, he seems to have dedicated himself to improvement, showing off a fastball consistently clocked in the mid to upper 90s and a breaking ball that has left hitters guessing. He notably struck out Ronald Acuña Jr. with a devastating slurve, a testament to his revitalized arsenal.

Given his performance, it would be surprising if Perez doesn’t secure a spot on the roster. From 2022 to 2024, he was a reliable component of the Orioles’ bullpen, making at least 60 appearances each season. At just 29 years old, it’s reasonable to expect that last season’s struggles were an anomaly. His .391 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) last year was unsustainably high, and while the Nationals’ infield may pose challenges, it’s likely that his numbers will improve as luck balances out—his career BABIP sits at a more manageable .303.

Unlike some pitchers who experience high BABIP due to poor contact management, Perez’s expected batting average was a low .213, indicating he typically avoids giving up hard hits. However, control remains a concern; his walk rate soared to 16.4% in 2025, far exceeding his previous levels. While Perez is known to issue walks, he’ll need to rein in that number closer to his historical rate of around 10% to be effective.

If he finds success, Perez could quickly become a fan favorite. His unique blend of velocity and personality on the mound—complete with long, flowing hair and a fiery demeanor—could endear him to the Nationals’ faithful. He’s even known for his quirky tradition of catching home runs with his hat from the bullpen, a ritual that might just make its way to D.C.

The outlook for Drew Smith is less certain. Although he has performed well in his appearances, his path to the big leagues could be more complicated. After undergoing Tommy John surgery for the second time, Smith has not pitched in a game since June 2024. The Nationals may opt to give him some time in Triple-A to ensure he’s fully acclimated before bringing him back into the major league fold.

The 32-year-old was a solid reliever for the Mets prior to his injury, known for his strikeout capability and effective spin on the ball. This spring, he has also thrown two scoreless innings, although his velocity has dipped slightly. Historically, Smith’s effectiveness has hinged more on the shape of his pitches than raw speed, and while his fastball shape appears intact, his slider has lost over 3 MPH. It remains to be seen if this is a new variation or a temporary adjustment.

Before the arrivals of Smith and Perez, the Nationals’ bullpen lacked depth and experience. While neither player is a guaranteed success, their previous track records provide a sense of reliability that many of their teammates lack. Both are driven to prove themselves, and if early signs in spring training are any indication, these could be shrewd additions for the Nationals under the guidance of Paul Toboni. However, with the unpredictable nature of relief pitching, only time will tell if these two can help elevate a bullpen that struggled significantly last season.

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