The Phillies have reportedly signed left-handed pitcher Brad Hand to a one-year, $6 million contract, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Hand, 31, is an 11-year major league veteran who previously played for the Marlins, Padres, Guardians, Nationals, Blue Jays and Mets. He signed a one-year deal to be the Nationals closer last year and was traded to Toronto before the deadline. His last outing with Washington was memorable from a Phillies perspective.
After giving up seven earned runs in 11 games with the Blue Jays, Hand was claimed off waivers by the Mets. He thrived in a non-closing role, posting a 2.70 ERA in 16 games with New York.
While he certainly won’t be the Phillies’ closer to begin the season, his extensive experience in the ninth inning had to appeal to the Phillies. With so few viable left-handed relief targets available, the $6 million price tag seems steep.
Hand, along with José Alvarado, will most likely be the Phillies’ top two left handed options out of the bullpen this season.
After the signing, the Phillies have approximately $33 million left in luxury tax space before reaching the $230 million threshold. Multiple reports say that the Phillies are finalizing a major league deal with Odúbel Herrera.
