Now-former Washington Nationals’ skipper Dusty Baker referred to reliever Matt Albers as the “find of the year” in baseball last season after the veteran right-hander signed on in D.C. in late January, tested the market when he was released in late March, and returned to the organization a few days later before getting the call to the big leagues in early April.
Albers, 35, posted a 1.62 ERA, a 3.40 FIP, 17 walks (2.30 BB/9) and 63 Ks (9.30 K/9) in 63 games and 61 IP for the Nationals last season, finishing the 2017 campaign ranked 2nd among NL relievers in WHIP (0.