Jorge López DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Washington Nationals relief pitchers Jorge Lopez and Jose A. Ferrer are likely to see most of the save opportunities at the start of the 2025 campaign. When asked who would close games, manager Dave Martinez mentioned both pitchers and that the team would "play matchups." With Lopez being a right-hander and Ferrer being a left-hander, Lopez could see the slight edge in opportunities, especially if matchups are heavily emphasized. Throughout his career, Lopez has tallied 31 saves. He tallied 23 of them during the 2022 campaign, where he spent time in Baltimore and Minnesota. Last season, he held a solid 2.89 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. He is dealing with a groin injury but was able to face live batters earlier this week. Ferrer tallied his first career MLB save last season but did have opportunities to close games in the minor leagues. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status during spring training. Given his experience, Lopez will likely see a slight edge in opportunities.

Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jorge Lopez (groin) faced live batters during Monday's practice session. This is a great sign, as Lopez ended the 2024 campaign on the injured list with a right groin strain. Seeing him face live hitters early in practice suggests he is past this injury and is viewed as a full-go. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he faces a setback. Last season, the 32-year-old opened the 2024 campaign with the New York Mets and logged 26 1/3 innings before being released. He was then picked up by the Cubs, where he held a strong 2.03 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP across 26 2/3 innings. With Kyle Finnegan no longer on the roster, fantasy managers should expect Lopez to compete for the closer role during spring training.

It's unclear who the Washington Nationals plan on using for the majority of their save situations in 2025, but right-hander Jorge Lopez is currently the only reliever on the roster with any real closing experience. The 32-year-old veteran signed a one-year, $3 million deal in January after posting a solid 2.89 ERA, 50 strikeouts and four saves in 52 relief appearances for the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs in 2024. Twenty-three of his 31 career MLB saves came in his All-Star season in 2022 with the Baltimore Orioles and Minnesota Twins. He has only saved seven games in 12 opportunities with a 4.50 ERA the last two seasons. If the Nats roll with a closer committee, Derek Law (13 career saves) and lefty Jose A. Ferrer could be used in tandem with Lopez. Ferrer has been used as a lefty specialist but also possesses a triple-digit fastball and 98 mph sinker.