Blue Jays add to bullpen by signing ex-Nationals reliever.
Regardless of their performance in the 2023 MLB Playoffs, the Toronto Blue Jays want to improve their team. According to Jon Heyman, the Blue Jays have reached an agreement to sign former Nationals relief pitcher Paolo Espino. Toronto’s move is an attempt to improve their bullpen depth during an eventful offseason.
Toronto looks to bolster their pitching attack with a move for Paolo Espino.
Espino joins the Blue Jays after spending four seasons with the Washington Nationals. In three games in 2023, the 36-year-old right-handed pitcher struck out three times, had a 24.75 ERA, and an average WHIP of 4.25. Espino has been dealing with a finger issue, but he should be able to contribute to Toronto soon.
The Blue Jays already have starting pitchers Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios. Gausman led Toronto’s bullpen in 2023, recording 237 strikeouts (2nd in the MLB) and an ERA of 3.16 (seventh).
Berrios also delivered an outstanding performance in 2023. The 29-year-old’sWHIP,ERA, and strikeouts were all among the top 25 in the league. Paolo Espino’s addition should improve Toronto’s pitching attack.
The Nationals struggled in 2023, finishing 71-91 and missing the MLB playoffs. However, Espino gained valuable experience in the competitive NL East and will add veteran depth to the Blue Jays.
Toronto missed out on signing Shoe Ohtani, who was rumored to prefer the Blue Jays during free agency. Nonetheless, the team is still working to improve its depth. Toronto wants to avenge its AL Wild Card sweep by the Minnesota Twins.
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