The Cincinnati Reds signed veteran left-handed reliever Sean Doolittle to a one-year contract Monday.
Doolittle, 34, had a down year last season for the Washington Nationals during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, going 0-2 with a 5.87 ERA in 11 appearances. But he saved 75 games over the previous three seasons and was instrumental in helping the Nationals win the 2019 World Series.
After going 6-5 with a 4.05 ERA and 29 saves during the 2019 regular season, Doolittle allowed just two runs in 10 1/3 innings in the postseason and didn't allow a run in three appearances against the Houston Astros in the World Series. He saved two games during that postseason run, including in Game 1 against the Astros.
The Nationals saluted Doolittle on Twitter after the Reds announced their deal with the reliever, who thanked the team and its fans in response.
We're so lucky to have spent 4 amazing years in DC. I'm so grateful for the love & support you showed us - we loved being part of your community. I'm so proud I got to wear the Curly W & be part of the team that brought a WS title to DC. From the bottom of my heart - thank you ♥️ https://t.co/K62ZJqwlVD
— Obi-Sean Kenobi Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) February 9, 2021
With Doolittle, the Reds are adding a late-inning reliever after the departures of Archie Bradley, who signed with the Philadelphia Phillies as a free agent, and closer Raisel Iglesias, who was traded to the Los Angeles Angels.
In nine major league seasons, Doolittle is 23-23 with 111 saves and a 3.07 ERA in 401 appearances. He began his career with the Oakland Athletics, who traded him to Washington during the 2017 season.
The Reds also officially announced a minor league deal with utility player Dee Strange-Gordon on Monday. Strange-Gordon also received an invitation to spring training.
