Miami pitcher inks minor league contract with Washington Nationals

Miami Hurricanes pitcher Carson Fischer has signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals. His college career spanned multiple institutions, having played three seasons at Davenport University followed by his graduate campaign at Miami. At Davenport, Fischer logged over 200 innings.

A Hudsonville, Michigan native, Fischer emerged as Miami’s most dependable bullpen arm during his graduate season. He appeared in 30 games, striking out 29 batters over 36 and two-thirds innings while posting a 5.40 ERA and limiting opponents to a .255 batting average. Fischer ranked fourth on the team in wins and set the pace in usage among the Hurricanes’ bullpen corps. His strikeout‑to‑walk ratio hovered around 1.5, with 19 walks allowed on the season.

Behind Fischer, Miami’s rotation was anchored by A.J. Ciscar (4.46 ERA, 65 strikeouts in 66.2 innings) and upperclassmen Griffin Hugus and Will Smith. Fischer’s signing places him among several Hurricanes recently beginning their professional journeys. Earlier signings include right‑handers Hugus (Seattle Mariners), Brian Walters (Philadelphia Phillies) and Reese Lumpkin (signed by Mariners), along with catcher Tanner Smith, who joined the Atlanta Braves.

Miami’s bullpen was notably depleted following these departures, prompting coach J.D. Arteaga and his staff to aggressively bolster the roster via the transfer portal. Recent arrivals include 8‑0 freshman Austin Peay starter Lyndon Glidewell and Alabama transfer Packy Bradley‑Cooney.

Fischer was one of four Canes pitchers with double‑digit outings last season. His consistent usage showed how much Arteaga trusted in him during late inning situations. While his strikeout rate was modest, his control and ability to limit hits made him a reliable option.

Head coach Arteaga, in his second season at the helm, guided the Hurricanes to a 35–27 overall record and a 15–14 mark in ACC play. They earned a spot in the Louisville Super Regional after winning the Hattiesburg Regional earlier this summer.