https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/03/14/nationals-release-veteran-reliever-hunter-strickland/ The 31-year-old signed a one-year, $1.6 million contract in the offseason, but by cutting Strickland now, the Nationals only owe him 45 days’ worth of termination pay, which comes out to around $387,000.
The move opens a spot on the Nationals’ 40-man roster and, more importantly, in their bullpen. Strickland had been in line to join an eight-man group that also included Sean Doolittle, Will Harris, Daniel Hudson, Tanner Rainey, Wander Suero, Roenis Elías and either Austin Voth or Joe Ross. But since he arrived in Washington, Strickland had trouble keeping the ball in the park.
He was one of three relievers the Nationals acquired at last year’s trade deadline, after he had missed most of the season with the Seattle Mariners because of a lat injury. The upside was that he had a biting slider to go with high-90s heat, but he never found consistent command. In 21 regular season innings with the Nationals, he allowed five home runs. In two postseason innings, he allowed three. In 6⅔ innings of spring training, he allowed three more. The Nationals decided they had seen enough.
Saves $1.3MM on the CBT threshold. I always questioned the accepted wisdom that he and Elias were guaranteed spots behind Doo, Hudson, Harris, Suero, and Rainey. This potentially opens a slot for Harper or one of the non-roster pitchers.
