Washington Nationals: Casey Janssen Provides Nats Much-Needed Bullpen Help

Following the Washington Nationals' signing of Max Scherzer last Wednesday, I wrote an article about why Washington can win the 2015 World Series. However, I also said that they need to improve their reliever corps to maximize their team's chances.

According to ESPN.com, they did just that on Wednesday, signing former Toronto closer Casey Janssen to a one-year contract. This is a terrific move for the Nats, and it has the potential to be a home run signing.

The Nationals traded both Ross Detwiler and Tyler Clippard in the offseason, and they will probably not re-sign former closer Rafael Soriano. They needed to add at least one arm to make up for those losses, and there are several reasons why Janssen might be the ideal fit.

First, and most importantly, is the fact that he is a great pitcher. From 2011-2013, he recorded an ERA below 2.60 in each year and converted 58 of 65 save opportunities. He is not an overpowering pitcher, averaging below 90 mph on his fastball per FanGraphs, but he effectively mixes in a cutter, curveball and changeup to keep the ball off the barrel of the bat.

He battled injuries last year and spent some time on the disabled list, but he still managed to save 25 games.

Janssen will join a Washington bullpen that is very young, and his experience and veteran presence should translate to better production for all of the relievers. The 33-year-old UCLA product will be the second-oldest reliever on the staff, behind only Matt Thornton, who is 38. 

The recent signing means that 2015 will be the first time in Janssen's career that he will not wear a Blue Jays jersey. However, he should feel valued with his new team, and his numbers should be similar to what they have been in the past.

For the Nationals, this was an excellent decision. With experience in high-stress situations that is nearly unparalleled by the rest of the bullpen, the ability to pitch in the ninth inning if needed and a price tag of only $3.5 million, the club will surely get incredible bang for the buck on its investment.

Janssen will likely begin the season as the eighth-inning man, setting up closer Drew Storen, but if Storen runs into a rough patch and loses his job, Janssen has the experience and competence to thrive in that role.