Washington Nationals upgrade bullpen with Tony Sipp

The Washington Nationals finally made a move to upgrade the bullpen, although it is not the big name that fans would have hoped for.

As the Washington Nationals look towards the 2019 season, their biggest weakness may be the bullpen. Sean Doolittle has been excellent as the Nationals closer since being acquired in July 2017, but the rest of the bullpen is a series of question marks. Trevor Rosenthal has been a solid closer through his career, but is coming back from Tommy John surgery. Koda Glover cannot stay healthy. Kyle Barraclough has a lot of talent, but questionable command. An upgrade to the bullpen certainly would not be out of the question.

The Nationals made such a move on Tuesday, as they agreed to terms with former Houston Astros reliever Tony Sipp on a one year deal. There is also a mutual option for the 2020 season.

There had been plenty of speculation that the Nationals would strengthen the bullpen, with rumors that they were interested in Craig Kimbrel. While Sipp is obviously not that type of pitcher, he is a solid option for the relief corps. And, perhaps as important, he keeps Washington under the luxury tax threshold.

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Sipp may have had his best season last year. He posted an excellent 1.86 ERA and a 1.034 WHiP, striking out 42 batters with only 13 walks in his 38.2 innings. He held left handed batters to a .191/.263/.294 batting line, with only five extra base hits in 76 plate appearances. However, he was not just a lefty specialist, as right handed hitters produced a meager .209/.280/.328 batting line in 75 plate appearances.

This move also gives the Nationals another veteran lefty reliever. Aside from Doolittle, the Nationals have Matt Grace in a setup role, but could use another left hander in the bullpen. With the surprising release of Sammy Solis, Sipp can be that needed piece.

Obviously, it will be difficult for Sipp to replicate the success he had last season. However, on a one year deal for a total of $1.5 million guaranteed, Sipp is well worth the price. He adds another solid arm to the Nationals bullpen, which could make a big difference in a loaded NL East.

The Washington Nationals made one move to upgrade their bullpen in adding Tony Sipp. That move may slide under the radar, but it will help the Nationals in their pursuit of the postseason.