The Phillies have reached a one-year, $6 million deal with left-handed reliever Brad Hand, a source said, confirming an ESPN report.
Hand was a well-thought-of closer as recently as 2020 but had a difficult 2021 season. He was traded from Washington to Toronto at the deadline, then was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays at the beginning of September. He was claimed by the Mets and finished the year strong with a 2.70 ERA and better than a strikeout per inning in 16 appearances with New York.
Hand, who turns 32 on Sunday, led the majors with 16 saves in the shortened 2020 season. He was an All-Star in each of the prior three seasons, posting a 2.67 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings.
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SIGN UP HERE There was concern about Hand's fastball velocity in 2020 as it was down a mph from his career average to 91.4. In 2021, it averaged 93.0 and was closer to 94.0 in the middle of the summer.
The Phillies needed another left-hander in the bullpen. Hand joins Jose Alvarado as a late-inning option from the left side. He is the third veteran reliever the Phillies have signed to a major-league deal this offseason, along with presumed closer Corey Knebel and former Met Jeurys Familia. Others in the mix include Alvarado, Connor Brogdon, Sam Coonrod, Seranthony Dominguez, Nick Nelson and lefties Bailey Falter and Ryan Sherriff. Nelson was acquired via trade from the Yankees and Sherriff was claimed off waivers from the Rays in November.
Hand began his career in the NL East as a starter with the Marlins in 2011. He was with Miami until 2015, before becoming a premier reliever in San Diego and Cleveland and pitching for three teams last season. The Phillies are hoping he can pick up where he left off in September.
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