News Splash!! Reliever Lucas Sims and the Washington Nationals Agree to a ..

**Reliever Lucas Sims and the Washington Nationals Agree to a 1-Year Contract*

**Washington, D.C., February 19, 2025** – The Washington Nationals have bolstered their bullpen with the addition of right-handed reliever Lucas Sims, signing him to a one-year contract for the upcoming season. The deal, reportedly worth $4.5 million, aims to bring stability and depth to the Nationals’ relief corps as they look to improve upon their performance from last season.

### **A Veteran Arm for the Nationals’ Bullpen**

Lucas Sims, 30, is coming off a strong season with the Cincinnati Reds, where he played a key role in their bullpen. Over 60 appearances in 2024, Sims posted a 3.45 ERA with 78 strikeouts over 62.2 innings. Known for his high spin rate and devastating breaking pitches, he has established himself as a reliable late-inning option capable of handling high-pressure situations.

The Nationals, who struggled with bullpen consistency in 2024, are hoping Sims can bring stability to their relief corps. Manager Dave Martinez expressed excitement about the signing, stating, “Lucas has proven himself as a high-leverage reliever, and we believe he can be a major asset for us late in games. His ability to generate strikeouts and limit hard contact will be crucial for our success.”

### **Nationals’ Offseason Strategy**

The signing of Sims aligns with the Nationals’ broader offseason strategy of improving their pitching depth. The team has also been linked to other bullpen arms in an effort to shore up one of their biggest weaknesses from the previous season.

General Manager Mike Rizzo emphasized the importance of adding reliable arms to the bullpen. “We’ve seen how crucial bullpen depth is in today’s game,” Rizzo said. “Adding Lucas to our roster gives us another experienced arm who can get big outs in key moments. We’re excited to have him on board.”

### **Sims’ Role with the Team**

With the Nationals still finalizing their bullpen structure, Sims is expected to compete for a late-inning role. He could potentially serve as a setup man for closer Kyle Finnegan or even step into the closer’s role if needed. His ability to handle both right-handed and left-handed hitters makes him a valuable asset in a bullpen that seeks more versatility.

Sims, who began his career with the Atlanta Braves before finding his stride with the Reds, expressed enthusiasm about joining Washington. “I’m excited for this new opportunity,” Sims said. “The Nationals are building something great, and I’m looking forward to contributing however I can. I’ve heard great things about the organization, and I can’t wait to get started.”

### **Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season**

The Nationals are coming off a rebuilding phase and are looking to be more competitive in the 2025 season. While their rotation remains anchored by young talent, the bullpen was a major area of concern last year. Adding a seasoned reliever like Sims could be a step toward improving the team’s late-game effectiveness and overall performance.

As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on how the Nationals integrate their new acquisitions and how Sims fits into their bullpen strategy. If he can replicate or improve upon his 2024 performance, this signing could prove to be a crucial move in the Nationals’

push for a playoff spot.