With Brad Hand’s Decision Looming, Nats Emerge as Suitors

Updated 5:43 PM EST: According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Washington Nationals “have emerged as a potential player” for left-hander Brad Hand, noting that financial constraints could pose an issue.

Heyman confirms that the Toronto Blue Jays have “made a bid”, the Mets are “monitoring”, and both Los Angeles teams are in the mix.

We’ll keep you posted as Hand’s market comes to an expected end this weekend.

Original Post

According to MLB Network’s Mark Feinsand, free-agent reliever Brad Hand‘s decision could be en route.

Per Feinsand, “teams have been told that Hand wants to make a decision soon, perhaps by the end of the weekend”. The Mets were named as finalists for Hand’s services in previous reports.

Hand was said to have struck a deal with the Mets last week by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. That report was later retracted, but a continued dialogue between New York and Hand’s camp after the mix-up was confirmed.

Hand, who turns 31 before the season starts, has been rumored to have received interest from the Mets, Blue Jays, Angels, Dodgers, and Astros, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. He’s reportedly looking for a multi-year deal, but the Mets have been said to be reluctant to offer him one.

The 30-year-old is by far the best left-handed reliever on the market, followed by former Mets southpaw Justin Wilson. Following those two, there’s a steep drop to the rest of the market.

We’ll keep you posted with new developments as they break.

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