Right-hander Zack Littell is in agreement with the Nationals on a contract, according to a report from Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan of ESPN. Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner adds that the deal is pending a physical, while Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports it’s a major league deal. Kostka adds that it’s a one-year pact that includes a mutual option for 2027. Washington will need to open a 40-man roster spot for the CAA Sports client.
Littell, 30, is a veteran of eight big league seasons but spent most of that time in a bullpen role. An 11th-round pick by the Mariners in the 2013 draft, Littell made his debut back in 2018 as a member of the Twins. In the first five seasons of his MLB career, Littell posted a 4.08 ERA (104 ERA+) with lackluster peripherals in 169 2/3 innings of work. After the 2022 campaign, Littell rode the DFA and waiver claim carousel throughout the 2022-23 offseason. He eventually wound up with the Red Sox to start the season, but he made just two appearances in the majors before being once again designated for assignment. That led him to the Rays, with whom he managed to transform himself from a fringe member of the 40-man roster into a solid mid to back of the rotation arm.
More to come.
