Lord's rookie season can be split into three distinct phases. He opened as a swingman, posting a 4.45 ERA and 1.45 WHIP over 28.1 innings before shifting to a full-time bullpen role, where he excelled with a 2.70 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and seven holds across 36.2 frames. He was later reinserted into the rotation, making 13 second-half starts while recording a 5.21 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP over 65.2 stanzas. As expected, his strikeout and walk rates were stronger in relief, even though many of those outings covered multiple innings. Lord is likely to be stretched out as a starter in spring training, but Washington's rotation depth could push him back to a high-leverage relief role, especially with limited reliable late-inning options. As a starter, he profiles as a streaming option. As a reliever, Lord carries speculative closer appeal. Read Past Outlooks