Report: Nationals, Jeffress agree to minor-league deal

The Washington Nationals and right-handed reliever Jeremy Jeffress agreed to a minor-league deal, a source told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

Jeffress will earn $1.25 million if he makes the major-league roster with the opportunity to add an extra $1.25 million in performance bonuses, Feinsand notes.

The 33-year-old posted a 1.54 ERA and 0.94 WHIP across 23 1/3 innings with the Chicago Cubs in 2020. It was a rebound campaign for the veteran hurler after struggling to a 5.02 ERA with the Milwaukee Brewers the year prior.

Jeffress was an All-Star for Milwaukee in 2018, dominating with a 1.29 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 10.4 K/9 in 76 2/3 innings.

Recently-signed left-hander Brad Hand is penciled into the Nationals' closer role. Tanner Rainey, Daniel Hudson, and Will Harris are among the other relief options for the team.