Potential free agent pitching targets for the Nationals offseason

With the Washington Nationals’ playoff hopes all but dashed, it’s time for the team to— and its fans — to start looking forward to 2027. 

While the focus of the Nats’ future is, and will continue to be, the young players, it’s worthwhile to take a look at the 2027 free agent class. Washington is likely still in a rebuild phase, but that doesn’t mean they can’t add talent for both the short and long term even with Cade Cavalli cementing himself as the team's ace.

With that said, let’s look at three free agent pitchers who could fit the Nationals’ plans, and one fun, storyline-focused potential addition. 

1) Jack Flaherty, SP

Jack Flaherty has struggled in his last two years in Detroit, but he’s not far removed from being an incredibly productive pitcher. 

The Nationals have shown they aren’t afraid of reclamation projects on the mound, and Flaherty would be a worthwhile bet. In a thin starting rotation, a player who had a 3.47 ERA just a few seasons ago in 2024 could be a high-upside addition, even if he has dealt with injuries this year.

2) Michael King, SP

A former reliever with the New York Yankees turned starter with the San Diego Padres, 31-year-old Michael King will be a coveted free agency target if he declines his player option. 

King has had an incredible 2026 season in San Diego, pitching to a 3.11 ERA. In fact, in his three-year stint on the west coast, that number has never climbed over 3.44. 

The Nationals need help in their rotation, and King can provide it if he hits the open market.

3)  David Bednar, Closer/RP

Yankees closer David Bednar has been incredible over the last two seasons, pitching to a 2.30 ERA in 2025 (a season he started with the Pirates) and a 2.64 so far in 2026. 

As any Washington fan knows, the Nationals’ bullpen has been horrendous this year. If the team wants to improve in 2027, their relievers simply need to be better. 

Adding Bednar would help achieve that goal, and make the group far more respectable. 

The fun one: Max Scherzer, SP 

Sure, Max Scherzer is 42 years old. And yes, as he has aged he has dealt with injuries and inconsistency. 

But wouldn’t this be fun? 

Maybe he wouldn’t fix the Nationals’ pitching woes, or even give the staff a huge boost. But his experience, and the history he has with the team as a critical component of the 2019 championship roster, would make this a full-circle addition, perhaps even giving Mad Max the opportunity to retire in Washington.