Former Indians closer Brad Hand, who became a free agent after Cleveland declined his 2021 club option in October, is headed to the Washington Nationals, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Closer Brad Hand and the Washington Nationals are in agreement on a one-year, $10.5 million contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 25, 2021
Hand winds up with more than his option and will be the Nationals’ new closer.
Hand and the Nationals are reportedly in agreement on a one-year, $10.5 million contract, Passan said.
Last season, Hand secured a spot on the 2020 All-MLB Second Team after leading the majors in saves with 16 and posting a 2-1 record with a 2.05 ERA in 23 relief outings.
Hand was also Cleveland’s 2020 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to a major league player who best represents the game of baseball through “extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.”
The Indians declined Hand’s $10 million option in October and he went unclaimed on waivers before reaching the deal with the Nationals.
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