Nationals Sign Zack Littell to One-Year Deal

The Washington Nationals agreed to a one-year contract with veteran right-handed pitcher Zack Littell on Sunday, adding depth to a starting rotation that has undergone significant changes during the offseason.

The deal, which includes a mutual option for the 2027 season, is pending a physical examination, according to a person familiar with the agreement. Littell, a 30-year-old free agent ranked among the top available pitchers this winter, brings experience from multiple teams and a breakout performance in 2025. He went 10-8 with a 3.81 ERA over 32 starts and 186 2/3 innings split between the Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds. Traded to the Reds at the July 30 deadline, Littell set career highs in starts and innings pitched while relying on precise command and a varied pitch mix, including a slider, splitter and four-seam fastball. His walk rate of 4.2 percent led all qualified major league starters last season, though he allowed 36 home runs, the second-most in baseball.

Littell's addition comes as the Nationals, under president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, continue to rebuild following a 66-96 record in 2025 and no winning season since their 2019 World Series title....