The Washington Nationals appear to have landed their new closer, signing left-handed reliever Brad Hand to a one-year, $10.5 million deal, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
The Nationals entered the offseason in search of a viable left-hand reliever to bolster the back end of their bullpen. Ultimately they inked a deal with the best available in free agency.
Last season, Hand did not blow a save. He led MLB with 16 saves with the Cleveland Indians, posting a 2.05 ERA and 0.77 WHIP during the pandemic-shortened year. In 2019, he made 34 saves in 39 appearances.
His struggles early in his career with the Marlins garnered Hand a reputation of being a failed starter. However, he landed in San Diego, moved into the bullpen, and became one of the more consistent relievers in the last five seasons. The last three coming in Cleveland.
Now, Hand replaces Sean Doolittle in the Nationals’ bullpen which is considered an upgrade.
Despite his success, particularly over the last two seasons, the Indians opted to decline a $10 million option for 2021 and waived Hand. He cleared waivers and Cleveland paid a $1 million buyout.
The Nationals ultimately beat out other interested suitors in free agency. Meanwhile, Hand gets a deal worth a bit more than his option with Cleveland.
Hand joins Daniel Hudson, Tanner Rainey and Will Harris as late-inning options for Washington’s manager Davey Martinez. Hand presumably will slot in at the closer role. However, Martinez has the tendency of closing out games depending on match-ups.
Nevertheless, the Nationals get address a need with a huge splash by adding Hand.
