Height
6'1"
Weight
195 lbs
Age
29
College
UConn
Draft
2018, Rd 11, #336
Experience
1 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/L
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsC
| Year | Team | GP | ERA | W-L | K | WHIP | IP | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 34 | 4.064516 | 2-1 | 33 | 1.483871 | 0.0 | 1 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
AAV
$780K/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
P.J. Poulin's one-year, $0.8M deal with the Nationals earns a C CVI — a perfectly reasonable gamble on a serviceable starter reliever that aligns with Washington's current rebuild timeline. At just above league minimum, this contract represents minimal financial risk while addressing the organizational need for innings depth in the bullpen, though Poulin projects as more of a middle relief option than a late-innings weapon. The Nationals are clearly prioritizing flexibility and cost control as they develop their younger arms, making this type of short-term, low-cost veteran addition a sensible roster-building strategy. While Poulin lacks the upside to significantly move the needle for a contending team, his ability to eat innings and provide league-average production makes him a useful placeholder as Washington continues to evaluate internal options from their farm system. The one-year term structure is particularly smart given the volatility of reliever performance year-to-year, allowing the Nationals to reassess without long-term commitment. For a rebuilding club prioritizing financial prudence over immediate impact, this represents exactly the type of measured roster construction that should define their approach to non-core positions.
Performance Analysis
P.J. Poulin grades as an All-Star caliber performer among MLB relief pitchers, earning a B+ Performance grade. He carries a 3.65 ERA (near the league average of 4.20) and a 1.46 WHIP across 24.2 innings pitched with a 10.0 K/9 rate. His strikeout rate of 10.0 per nine innings ranks among the best in the league, showing dominant swing-and-miss ability. As a rookie at 29, P.J. is a key contributor for the Nationals. With only 28 games on record, this grade carries a smaller sample size caveat.
News & Buzz
Live Discussion
Auto-moderated fan forum with 5-minute speaker turns
Discussion
Loading discussion...