Nationals bolster 'pen, sign L車pez to 1-year deal to continue busy offseason
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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 L車pez＊s contract is worth $3 million and includes incentives.
L車pez, 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.
L車pez 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, L車pez 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.
L車pez 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.
L車pez 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.