PJ Poulin

After spending parts of four seasons at the Triple-A level between the Rockies and Tigers organizations, Poulin got his first taste of the majors in 2025. The 29-year-old southpaw was claimed by Washington last August and headed straight to the majors, posting a 1.59 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 18:7 K:BB across his first 17.0 MLB innings. A few poor outings in September impacted his ratios overall, but Poulin received some high-leverage work, picking up five holds and a save across 28 appearances. Poulin doesn't throw hard - he tossed his four-seam fastball 90.8 mph on average - but he mixes in a sweeper, changeup and occasional sinker to keep hitters off-balance. He averaged nearly 11 strikeouts per nine-innings in the minors, but walks were an issue and figure to remain so at the highest level. With the Nationals trading Jose Ferrer earlier this offseason, Poulin enters 2026 as one of the team's top lefties out of the pen. Save chances are possible, but shouldn't be expected. Read Past Outlooks