Report: Nationals, Joaquin Benoit agree to 1-year, $1M deal

The Washington Nationals have agreed to a one-year, $1-million contract with right-handed reliever Joaquin Benoit, reports Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post.

Benoit split 2017 between the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates, recording a 4.65 ERA (92 ERA+) in 50 1/3 innings. He was much sharper during his brief stint with the Toronto Blue Jays the season before, when he allowed only one earned run across 23 2/3 innings.

His addition will act as bullpen insurance for what was the Nationals' biggest area of concern last summer. The Nationals' bullpen posted a 4.41 ERA, but was much better in the second half after a tumultuous beginning to the season.

The 40-year-old will need to pass a physical before the deal is finalized.