Longtime Toronto Blue Jays closer Casey Janssen has agreed to sign with the Washington Nationals.
Janssen and the Nationals are in agreement on a one-year, $5 million deal that includes a mutual option for 2016, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Janssen, a fourth-round draft pick of the Blue Jays in 2004, spent his entire MLB career with Toronto before hitting free agency. He debuted as a starter in 2006 before joining the bullpen in 2007 and establishing himself as an effective — if not overpowering — reliever with above-average command. By 2012, he was Toronto’s closer and he collected a career-best 34 saves in 2013.
But the typically reliable Janssen had an up-and-down season in 2014. He posted a 1.23 ERA with 14 saves in the first half, but got food poisoning during an All-Star break trip to the Dominican Republic, lost weight and never recovered his effectiveness. His ERA ballooned to 6.46 in the second half, and the Blue Jays started asking the likes of Aaron Sanchez and Brett Cecil to close games.
While Janssen’s season numbers (3.94 ERA, 25 saves) are respectable, it became clear at the end of the season that the Blue Jays would likely part ways with the 33-year-old.
That wasn’t always a foregone conclusion, however. The Blue Jays discussed a contract extension with Janssen mid-season, but were unable to reach a deal.
While Janssen is now officially off the market, many free agent relievers are still looking for jobs, including former Nationals closer Rafael Soriano, former Brewers closers Francisco Rodriguez and John Axford, as well as a host of lower-tier arms.
Janssen joins a Nationals bullpen that recently lost right-handed relievers Soriano (free agency) and Tyler Clippard (trade). Drew Storen, who saved 11 games while posting a 1.12 ERA in 2014, provides Washington manager Matt Williams with another experienced late-game reliever.
