Nationals' long-term answer at closer may be working his way back

The Washington Nationals have been one of the biggest surprises in baseball this year, entering Thursday with a 41-40 record. The lineup has scored an MLB-leading 433 runs and have established themselves as one of the more potent lineups in the game.

However, the Nationals have one glaring Achilles' heel. The bullpen, particularly in the ninth inning, has been their undoing. Nationals relievers entered Thursday with a 4.90 ERA, 27th in the league, while leading the majors with 23 blown saves. Nine different relievers have at least one save as the Nationals have looked to find consistency at the closer role.

The answer could be in Washington as soon as this season. Prospect Jarlin Susana has missed the entire 2026 season after undergoing surgery to repair his torn right lat but has begun a throwing progression at the Nationals spring training complex. 

Nationals prospect Jarlin Susana may have fast track to majors

Ranked as the Nationals' third-best prospect by MLB.com, Susana is considered to have one of the best fastballs and sliders in the minors. His fastball routinely sits between 98 and 101 mph, reaching as high as 103 mph. His slider sits in the upper 80s, with Susana able to manipulate its shape between a sweeper and a more traditional slider. He also throws a changeup which sits in the lower 90s, but is a fringe offering at this point in his development.

The biggest knock on Susana has been his command. He has walked 4.8 batters per nine innings in his professional career, a number that increased to 6.1/9 in his 11 appearances at Double-A in 2025. If he can improve his command and improve his changeup, Susana could be a potential top-of-the-rotation arm.

There is also another path. Susana's fastball and slider could be a devastating combination in the back of the Nationals bullpen. His arsenal compares favorably to closer Aroldis Chapman, who began his professional career as a starter before transitioning to the bullpen full-time in 2011. 

Susana is working his way back from surgery. If the Nationals are in the playoff race down the stretch and Susana is healthy, his debut may come in the back of the Nationals bullpen.