In a move that’s raising eyebrows across the baseball world, the Washington Nationals have inked a minor league deal with left-handed reliever Zach Penrod—a player whose career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite a shaky 2023 season in Triple-A, where Penrod struggled with command and allowed nearly eight earned runs per nine innings, the Nationals see potential in his three-pitch arsenal and 95 MPH fastball. Could this be a low-risk, high-reward gamble, or are the Nationals setting themselves up for disappointment? Let’s dive in.
According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, Penrod’s deal includes an $800K payout if he cracks the MLB roster—a modest sum that’s just above the minimum. The 28-year-old southpaw isn’t new to the big leagues; he made seven appearances for the Boston Red Sox in 2024, tossing four innings with two runs allowed, though his five free passes (four walks and a hit batter) against three strikeouts hinted at control issues. And this is the part most people miss: Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni was an assistant GM with the Red Sox during Penrod’s stint there, suggesting a familiar face may have played a role in this signing.
Penrod’s journey took a turn last May when the Red Sox designated him for assignment following the Rafael Devers trade. Boston needed to clear roster space after acquiring Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison, and Penrod was traded to the Dodgers for cash. Despite spending six weeks on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, he never made a big league appearance. By August, he was placed on outright waivers and eventually opted for minor league free agency at season’s end.
So, why are the Nationals taking a chance on him? For starters, their bullpen is a blank canvas. Outside of righty Julian Fernández—who has just two years of MLB service time, mostly spent on the injured list—the Nationals’ relief corps is inexperienced. Every reliever on the 40-man roster has minor league options remaining, except Rule 5 pick Griff McGarry, leaving plenty of room for minor league free agents like Penrod to compete for a spot.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Can Penrod turn things around? His Triple-A struggles last year were alarming, with a walk rate exceeding 20% of opposing hitters. Yet, his three-pitch mix—fastball, slider, and changeup—has always intrigued scouts. If he can harness his command, he could be a valuable asset. But if not, he’ll likely be just another footnote in the Nationals’ rebuilding efforts.
What do you think? Is Zach Penrod a hidden gem or a risky bet? Could this deal pay off for the Nationals, or are they overlooking his flaws? Sound off in the comments below!
