The Washington Nationals acquired pitcher Hunter Strickland from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Aaron Fletcher. Strickland is 30 years old and is joining his third team.
The Nationals have acquired Hunter Strickland from the Mariners for Aaron Fletcher, per sources. Deal is pending physicals.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 31, 2019
Strickland’s Career
Strickland is a right-handed relief pitcher. He spent his first five years with the San Francisco Giants mostly as a middle reliever. In 2018 after an injury to Mark Melancon, Strickland got his first chance at closing.
Strickland was successful but after blowing a save he punched a wall and broke his hand. He would be out for 8 weeks and would never regain the closer role again.
Strickland signed with the Mariners before the 2019 season. On March 30th he suffered a lat strain that put him on the shelf for a couple of months. Strickland has only appeared in four games this season.
Strickland has not pitched well since coming off the IL. So this trade can be risky for the Nationals as Strickland as is signed through 2021. Strickland’s career numbers are 14-15 with a 2.98 ERA and 21 saves.
Strickland Scouting Report
Strickland has a good fastball. He does tend to allow too much contact. He does have 214 strikeouts in 229 innings pitched Strickland has shown the ability to strike out some batters.
Originally a starting pitcher Strickland was moved to the bullpen after he had Tommy John surgery in 2013. Strickland will not be closing games for the Nationals instead he will provide depth for a struggling bullpen.
Strickland does have postseason experience. In eleven career postseason innings, Strickland has a 1-0 record with a 5.73 ERA.
Aaron Fletcher Scouting Report
Aaron Fletcher is 23-years-old and a left-handed relief pitcher. He played four years at the University of Houston and went 11-5 with a 2.06 ERA. Fletcher also struck out 146 batters in 170 innings pitched.
In two seasons as part of the Nationals minor leagues, Fletcher went 7-5 with a 2.17 ERA with 103 strikeouts in 91 innings.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
