Former SF Giants bullpen prospect signs with Nationals shortly after becoming free agent

Former SF Giants bullpen prospect Clay Helvey was among the club's 18 minors leaguers to elect free agency last week. His foray on the open market was brief as he has reportedly signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Former SF Giants bullpen prospect signs with Nationals shortly after becoming free agent

Nightengale confirms that Helvey's deal will include a camp invite. This news had many folks thinking that free agency began with a boom this week, but many were confusing Helvey with free agent reliever Clay Holmes.

Minor league deals that are agreed to at the start of the offseason can be a sign of a player's appeal on the open market. Typically, players that sign this quickly have options and Helvey likely chose the Nationals due in part to the chance to make the major league roster at some point in 2025.

The Nationals' bullpen was one of the weaker units in baseball last year as they posted a 4.14 ERA. That was 21st in baseball, so there is certainly room for improvement and there should be opportunities for relievers looking for a chance to pitch.

The Giants originally selected Helvey in the 22nd round of the 2018 draft out of the University of Tampa. Oddly enough, he was chosen in a round that no longer exists as baseball has cut down its draft to 20 rounds in recent years.

Matt Frisbee and Blake Rivera along with Helvey were among the other 2018 draftees to reach free agency recently. They had accrued six years of service time in the minors, making them eligible for the open market.

During his pro career, the 27-year-old reliever has tallied a 4.94 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 11.3 K/9, and a 2.17 SO/W rate. He began the 2024 season in Double-A but received a quick promotion to Sacramento after he recording two scoreless outings with the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

Helvey produced a 5.17 ERA with 97 strikeouts against 35 walks in 71.1 innings following the promotion. While the Pacific Coast League can be a tough environment for pitchers, he did manage to strike out a healthy number of batters.