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The Washington Nationals “have joined the Dodgers” as the leaders in the sweepstakes for free agent pitcher Darren O’Day, according to ESPN.com. CBS Sports also reported that the Atlanta Braves are in on the signing the relief pitcher.
The relief pitcher is one of the most sought after pitchers this off-season. O’Day finished 2015 with a 1.52 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 82/14 K/BB ratio in 65 1/3 innings pitched. The 33-year-old made his first All-Star team this year with the Baltimore Orioles after stringing together three quality seasons prior to 2015. He’s one of the better relief pitchers in the league. He could be a set-up man as well as close games out if need be. The right-hander is looking for a contract in the range of four years for around $28-36 million. He’s showed that he’s worth the contract he reportedly wants.
The #Nationals have joined #Dodgers at top of the Darren O'Day pack, source says. Washington due for a bullpen revamp.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 22, 2015
O’Day has postseason experience, which is vital for a bullpen pitcher. He struggled in 2014 when he allowed four runs in four appearances with Baltimore. He suffered two losses that year. In 2012, he was dominant in the postseason. In five appearances, he did not allow a run. He also pitched for the Texas Rangers in 2010 out of the bullpen. The bullpen could be the most important part in winning a World Series. The Kansas City Royals bullpen is one of the main factors in them winning it all this year. Teams know they need a pitcher like O’Day with his experience to help get over the hump.
The Nationals didn’t live up to expectations this season. They were heavy favorites to win the NL East, but finished the season in second place with 83 wins and seven games behind the Mets for first place. Their bullpen didn’t help much even after trading for closer Jonathan Papelbon. O’Day would make life easier in the bullpen if he’s pitching in the eighth inning.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have won three straight NL West titles. They could lose Zack Greinke to free agency and will need to try to replace the Cy Young runner-up. The Dodgers also need to bridge the gap from their starters to closer Kelly Jansen. The parts in between struggled during the NLDS this season and it was a reason they didn’t advance further in October. O’Day would be the perfect fit before Jansen. The Braves are going through a rebuilding process. They’re trying to rebuild their pitching staff. O’Day would be a great start to make the Atlanta bullpen one of the tops in MLB like it was for so many years.
