The Nationals have added a recent All-Star to their bullpen.
Washington signed right-handed reliever Jorge López to a one-year deal on Saturday. A source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that López’s contract is worth $3 million and includes incentives.
López, a nine-year veteran who turns 32 next month, brings an experienced presence to the young bullpen after the Nationals non-tendered All-Star closer Kyle Finnegan, 33, and righty reliever Tanner Rainey, 32. Derek Law, 34, had been the most veteran arm in the ‘pen following their departures.
López produced a 2.89 ERA over 53 innings split between the Mets and Cubs last season. He has pitched for seven clubs in the Majors -- Brewers, Royals, Orioles, Twins, Marlins, Mets and Cubs -- and has a 5.25 career ERA across 533 MLB innings. But he is only two seasons removed from being an All-Star.
In 2022, López produced a 1.68 ERA and a .174 opponents’ batting average over 48 1/3 innings with Baltimore. He secured 19 of 23 save opportunities before he was sent to Minnesota at the Trade Deadline.
López recorded a 23.1% strikeout rate last season, the second-highest rate of his career. But ground balls are really his strength. His ground-ball rate has been above 50% in four of the past five seasons. That includes his 51.4 rate last year, which ranked in the 86th percentile.
To clear space on the 40-man roster, the Nationals designated right-hander Amos Willingham for assignment. Willingham, 26, made his Major League debut with the Nats on June 28, 2023. He was 0-2 with a 7.11 ERA across 19 relief appearances (one last season) on the big league level.
López is the latest veteran addition in a busy winter for the Nationals. In less than a month, they have acquired first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Rangers and designated hitter/first baseman Josh Bell, outfielder Amed Rosario, and righties Michael Soroka and Trevor Williams in free agency.