*Photo from the Associated Press*
The Washington Nationals needed a dependable left handed reliever ever since Sean Doolittle became a free agent at the start of the offseason. They just found one. The Nationals have signed LHP Brad Hand to a one year, $10.5 million deal, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. There are no options or bonuses in the deal, according to Feinsand. The deal has been confirmed by the Nationals.
Hand had a great 2020 season, going 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA, throwing 22 innings in 23 relief appearances, picking up a league leading 16 saves for the Cleveland Indians. In his 10 major league seasons, Hand has a 26-43 record with a 3.65 ERA, throwing 608 2/3 innings across 396 games, 43 of which were starts. Hand also has 105 saves to his name.
Hand became a full time reliever when he joined the Padres in 2016, and quickly became one of their best relievers, despite only getting one save in 2016. Hand made the all star game in 2017 with a 2.16 ERA and 21 saves in 26 opportunities in 72 appearances that season. At the trade deadline in 2018, he was traded to the Indians along with Adam Cimber, recording 58 saves from the time of the trade until the end of the 2020 season.
Hand talked about the Nationals busy offseason, saying that "The moves that the Nationals already made this offseason bringing in Schwarber and Bell, two big moves there. Then with the starting rotation that they've got, I think we've got a good chance to go deep into the playoffs. That was big. Obviously, this is going to be one of the tougher divisions in baseball, competition-wise. We're going to have to be ready to go and prepared for that, but I like our chances."
Hand has done his best work in his career against left handed hitters, holding them to a measly .187 average and a .294 OPS, one of the best marks in the majors. He is also still very effective against righties, holding them to a .251 clip in his career, with a .410 OPS, so he can get anyone out.
The Nationals have had a very successful offseason so far, adding Josh Bell via trade, and Kyle Schwarber and Jon Lester in free agency to go along with Hand. Hand will join the back end of the Nationals bullpen that includes current closer Daniel Hudson, as well as Tanner Rainey and Will Harris.
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