The closer Brad Hand and the Washington Nationals agree to a one-year, $ 10.5 million deal, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Sunday.
Hand had another solid season as a closer for the Cleveland Indians, leading the majors with 16 saves, but was the victim of the team’s salary purge heading into 2021. Cleveland turned down his $ 10 million option in exchange for a $ 1 million exit.
Cleveland tried to trade the 30-year-old southpaw after the season, but couldn’t find a business partner.
Hand was acquired from the San Diego Padres at the 2018 trade deadline. In more than two seasons with Cleveland, he had 58 saves in 65 chances and a 2.78 ERA and 154 strikeouts in 107 innings in 111 games.
Hand was 2-1 with a 2.06 ERA and was 16 of 16 in save chances during the 2020 60-game season shortened by the pandemic. However, his failed save against the New York Yankees led to the elimination of the Indians in the American League Wild Card Series.
The Padres claimed Hand off waivers from the Miami Marlins early in the 2016 season, and he became a two-time All-Star. Known for his slider, he has 105 saves in 128 chances, with a 3.65 ERA and 624 strikeouts in 608⅔ innings pitched.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
– .
