As many reporters have speculated throughout the day, the Nationals have reached agreement on a contract with free agent reliever Shawn Kelley. MLB.com’s William Ladson says a pre-signing physical is scheduled for later this week.
Kelley posted an outstanding 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 63/15 K/BB ratio across 51 1/3 innings of relief this past season for the Padres. The 31-year-old right-hander will likely operate as a setup man in Washington for Drew Storen and closer Jonathan Papelbon.
Oliver Perez has also been added to the Nats’ bullpen this winter, and the club signed Giants castoff Yusmeiro Petit to a one-year contract on Wednesday evening.