The Washington Nationals added a veteran arm to their pitching staff on Wednesday, reaching agreement on a one-year, $3.5 million contract with former Toronto Blue Jays closer Casey Janssen.
The deal includes a mutual option for $7 million in 2016 with a buyout of $1.5 million, according to reports.
The 33-year-old Janssen posted 81 saves and a 2.94 ERA for the Blue Jays during the past three years, including 34 saves in 2013 and 25 in 2014. He struggled in the second half of last season after becoming ill during the All-Star break and finished with a 3.94 ERA in 45 2/3 innings.
With the Nationals, the right-hander is likely to provide late-inning relief help in front of closer Drew Storen. The Washington bullpen lost Ross Detwiler, Rafael Soriano and Tyler Clippard to other teams during the winter.
Janssen had spent his entire career with the Blue Jays. The former starting pitcher has a 29-24 career record with 90 saves and a 3.55 ERA since 2006.