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Report: Former Indians closer Brad Hand headed to Nationals in free agency

Indians Pirates Baseball
Posted at 7:51 PM, Jan 24, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-24 19:52:01-05

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.

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.

RELATED: Indians decline 2021 options on Brad Hand, Carlos Santana, Domingo Santana, making them free agents