The Bullpen’s Missing Pieces
The Washington Nationals entered the 2026 season with a bullpen that many analysts described as thin, lacking the veteran arms that can reliably close out games.
During a recent episode of their baseball podcast, analysts Jordan Shusterman and Jake Mintz highlighted the unit’s gaps and pointed to the organization’s strategy of nurturing talent from within.
One bright spot has been Foster Griffin, who after a stint in Japan returned to the States and found a supportive environment that helped him rediscover his form.
The club also sees promise in Cade Cavalli, a young right-hander whose mid‑rotation ceiling could add depth if he continues to progress.
The conversation then turned to the newest addition, Connelly Early, acquired from the Boston Red Sox in a move that analysts view as a calculated investment in the team’s future.
Paul Tsibony, a scout familiar with Early’s career, praised the pitcher’s makeup and believes the right-hander could become a cornerstone if he stays healthy.
Early’s collegiate background adds an interesting layer; he spent two years at Army West Point before transferring to the University of Virginia, where he refined his repertoire.
The Nationals have scheduled a rehabilitation start for Early on August 3, a milestone that will test his readiness and give the front office a clearer picture of his health.
Overall, the optimism surrounding Early is tempered by caution, but the organization remains confident that the right‑handed pitcher can contribute meaningfully to the club’s long‑term goals.