Lucas

Sims

All four players were signed to minor-league contracts with invites to spring training, and all four will be given a chance to play elsewhere rather than reassigned to minor-league camp. Wade has the most MLB success for the four, and his ability to hit left-handed pitching makes him likely to find a new landing spot relatively quickly.

Sims has been pretty awful since a trade to the Red Sox at the 2024 deadline; he had a 6.43 ERA in 14 innings for Boston then, a 13.86 ERA in 12 1/3 innings for the Nationals last season and then a 5.56 ERA in 34 innings for the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate after Washington released him. All told, he walked 53 in 60 1/3 innings during that span. He still has his fastball and slider, so there’s always the chance he turns it around. However, even at his best, he was never particularly reliable.

Sims, 31, was let go by the Nationals after giving up 19 earned runs in 12 1/3 innings to open the season. He’ll need to pitch well in Triple-A for a spell before getting a shot with the Phillies.

The 30-year-old right-hander had been absymal during his time with the Nationals — posting a 12.34 ERA, 1.97 WHIP and a 13/10 K/BB ratio over 11 2/3 innings while also plunking a league-leading six batters — so it’s not a surprise to see him get released. Once he passes through release waivers unclaimed, he’ll officially hit the open market.

Unless the Nationals make a late move to bring back Kyle Finnegan or perhaps take a flier on Craig Kimbrel, the closer’s role could come down to Sims and Jorge López. Sims definitely has the raw stuff to do the job, but he’s also walked 15 percent of the batters he’s faced while posting a 3.67 ERA the last two years. López is probably the favorite for saves right now.

Sims split last year between the Red Sox and Reds, finishing with a pedestrian 4.38 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 49/30 K/BB ratio across 49 1/3 innings (58 appearances). He has plenty of high-leverage experience and would figure to be in the mix with Jorge López, Derek Law and Jose A. Ferrer to close for Washington. Even if he winds up winning the job, his fantasy appeal is limited to extremely deep mixed leagues.

The Red Sox traded for Sims prior to the trade deadline this year. He had an 8.10 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and seven strikeouts in 10 innings with Boston. Then he went on the injured list with a lat strain. Sims had a 3.57 ERA in 43 appearances with the Reds this year and a 3.10 ERA in 67 appearances in 2023. The Red Sox could certainly use an arm like that out of the bullpen.

It was his first appearance of what should be a brief rehab assignment. Sims has been out since Aug. 27 with a lat strain.

Sims came over from the Reds at last month’s trade deadline and has compiled a calamitous 8.10 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 7/7 K/BB ratio across 10 innings (11 appearances) for Boston. With just a few weeks left in the year, it’s entirely possible his season is over.

Sims will become a high-leverage option for the Red Sox bullpen after posting a 3.57 ERA and 40/20 K/BB over his 35 1/3 innings in 40 appearances with Cincinnati. The right-hander will hit free agency at the end of the 2024 season.