Jon Heyman 0f MLB Network reports that the Washington Nationals have signed free agent reliever Tony Sipp. The finances have yet to be revealed, but Heyman does confirm that it is a Major League contract. This article will be updated when the money and years are known.
Sipp, 35, had a very strong 2018 season. In 38.2 innings across 54 appearances, he registered a 1.86 ERA and 2.41 FIP while striking out 42 and walking 13. He is best used as a lefty specialist, as in 76 plate appearances last season, lefties hit only .191/.263/.294 against him, though he can get righties out as well.
Overall, he has held lefties to a .221/.298/.409 slash line in his career, but those numbers have been steadily improving.
While this is an MLB contract and the Mets have signed guys like Luis Avilan and Hector Santiago to minor league deals, this is someone I had hoped the Mets would kick the tires on.
Justin Wilson was a great add, but having two strong lefties in the bullpen is something of great importance which the Mets learned the hard way. Hopefully one of those two men, or perhaps Daniel Zamora, can compliment the veteran Wilson.
