Will Jake Irvin be on the Washington Nationals in 2027?

Federal Baseball's Sam Sallick analyzes whether the Washington Nationals should tender a contract to pitcher Jake Irvin ahead of the 2027 season. Irvin is arbitration eligible and projected by MLB Trade Rumors to earn around $3.4 million. Sallick argues that after posting an ERA above 5.00 for two consecutive seasons, including a 5.48 ERA in 2026, Irvin may no longer fit in the starting rotation for a contending team.

While noting Irvin achieved a career-best 9.28 strikeouts per nine innings in 2026 behind an effective curveball and four-seam fastball, Sallick suggests Irvin could transition into a bullpen role. However, Sallick concludes that Irvin may be surplus to requirements given the Nationals' existing relief depth, making him a potential non-tender candidate for executive Paul Toboni.