NEWSLETTER
I don’t really have a lot of context to add to this situation just yet, and I don’t really want to speculate. But given the past relationship with the Cubs and the fact that they were rumored to still have interest in a reunion, I think it’s worth noting that the Nationals today released former Cubs reliever Jeremy Jeffress.
Jeffress, 33, was quite good for the Cubs last year, though his results were much better than his peripherals. Still, he managed only a minor league deal with the Nationals last month, and despite apparently looking good in camp, they’ve already released him:
Jeffress had been expected to fight for a spot in the #Nationals bullpen. Dave Martinez was excited about him a few days ago, said "he looks great. I watched him throw…the ball was coming out really nice." Expected him to throw live BP a few more times before spring debut
— Maria Torres (@maria_torres3) March 7, 2021
A release seems very odd this time of year in that situation, unless there was a physical issue or a crowding issue that the Nationals were already happy to let him head out of for another opportunity. And maybe it will wind up something like that second part? Either way, it’s just odd.
And it gets odder. Jeffress just tweeted something really cryptic about his agent, it seems:
@JoshuaKusnick jus ruined my life. I’ve been nothing but a great friend and client to him. For over 10 years. Thanks buddy.
— Jeremy Jeffress (@JMontana41) March 7, 2021
Ask @JoshuaKusnick
— Jeremy Jeffress (@JMontana41) March 7, 2021
“@JoshuaKusnick jus ruined my life. I’ve been nothing but a great friend and client to him. For over 10 years. Thanks buddy,” Jeffress tweeted just after word of his release came out.
I guess we’ll see what comes next. I wouldn’t necessarily expect a low-risk reunion with the Cubs, though, particularly after the Ryan Tepera signing (and the minor league deal for Pedro Strop, too). It’s just a very crowded group, and it may not look like the best win-a-job spot for Jeffress.
UPDATE: For his part, Kusnick has responded that he is not Jeffress’s agent, and hasn’t been for two years:
I have not been since 2019. Dont you dare put this nonsense on me. Hackery. https://t.co/OtqgxSyeI5
— (((Joshua Kusnick))) (@JoshuaKusnick) March 7, 2021
