WASHINGTON -- Building a bullpen has become sort of a winterly tradition in Washington, one that a year ago gave Nationals fans stress as the team searched for an established closer. This offseason should present a much easier task for the Nats, however, considering they already have two key relievers in place entering 2018.
Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle, both acquired from the A's before July's non-waiver Trade Deadline, will return to the Nats next season and should be in place to pitch the eighth and ninth innings, respectively, as they did at the end of 2017.