Nationals Claim Gus Varland Off D-backs’ Waivers

The Washington Nationals are still hunting for undervalued pitching depth. Their latest move? Claiming right-hander Gus Varland off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. It’s a bet on upside, health, and a bullpen arm that flashes some intriguing traits—even if his recent track record is a little rocky.

Nationals Add Gus Varland via Waivers

Word is, the Nationals picked up Varland after Arizona designated him for assignment to clear space for reliever Taylor Clarke. For Washington, it’s a classic low-cost move that fits a rebuilding team searching for bullpen stability and the occasional breakout story.

Varland is 29 now. He arrives in D.C. with some big-league experience, though he didn’t pitch in the majors during 2025. His past performance and the underlying numbers hint there’s still something there—if he can stay healthy.

Why Arizona Let Him Go

The Diamondbacks’ decision was mostly procedural. Clarke’s one-year deal meant someone had to go, and Varland’s injury history made him the obvious choice.

He spent most of the 2024–25 seasons on the shelf, mainly thanks to a pretty rough lat strain. With no recent big-league innings, Arizona chose roster flexibility over waiting it out.

Breaking Down Varland’s Recent Performance

Even with the missed time, Varland’s 2024 numbers give you a bit of hope. He split his season between the Dodgers and White Sox, tossing 26 1/3 major league innings and holding his own.

He posted a 3.42 ERA with a 23.5% strikeout rate and a 7% walk rate. That’s the kind of mix—missing bats, limiting free passes—that any bullpen would love to have.

Pitch Arsenal and Velocity

Varland’s stuff is still his main selling point. His four-seam fastball sits at 95–96 mph, which gives him enough juice to challenge hitters in short bursts.

He backs it up with an 88–89 mph slider as his go-to secondary pitch. There’s also a changeup, but he barely throws it—maybe 5% of the time—so it’s not really a big part of his game.

Strengths and Lingering Concerns

From both scouting and analytical views, Varland’s profile is a bit of a mixed bag. He’s shown he can rack up strikeouts and keep walks under control, even at higher levels.

But he’s run into trouble in the upper minors and sometimes in the majors. Hard contact creeps in, especially when his fastball command slips.

Recurring Issues on the Mound

Some trends have held him back:

These issues usually mean a mix of bad luck and hittable pitches. Whether he can fix that—or not—comes down to execution and staying healthy.

Why the Nationals Are Interested

For Washington, Varland is a low-risk, speculative pickup with some upside. They’re not banking on him to anchor the bullpen but hope he can compete for a spot if he’s healthy in camp.

He’s got a minor-league option left, which gives the Nationals some flexibility. They can send him to Triple-A Rochester without worrying about losing him, giving their coaches a chance to see if they can sort out his mechanics and keep him on the field.

A Smart Depth Move for Washington

If Varland finds his groove again and keeps the ball in the park, he might turn into a handy middle-relief arm. If it doesn’t work out, the Nationals don’t really lose much.

Washington’s rebuilding, so these little risks just make sense. Gus Varland gets another shot to show he can stick in a big league bullpen.

 
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