The Nationals began their offseason no sooner than they were allowed following the conclusion of the World Series, picking up on Monday closer Sean Doolittle's option for 2019.
Doolittle carried a club option valued at $6 million for next season. The Nationals hold another club option for $6.5 million for Doolittle in 2020.
The 32-year-old left-handed reliever will be entering his third season with the Nationals since coming over from Oakland in a July 2017 trade, along with Ryan Madson. Locking him in now leaves Washington with one less loose end to tie up as the club undoubtedly looks to overhaul its bullpen for next season.
Doolittle has gone 4-3 with a 1.92 ERA and 46 saves in 73 appearances (75 innings) for the Nationals. He has blown just two saves in those opportunities.
Doolittle only made 43 appearances for the Nats in 2018, missing a huge chunk of the season on the disabled list with strained left toe on his left foot. He was selected to his second-career All-Star Game – and first in the National League – this season but was unable to participate due to the injury.
The news was first reported by Chelsea Janes.
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