Zack Littell Signs One-Year Deal with Washington Nationals

Right-handed pitcher Zack Littell has found a new home, agreeing to a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals, as confirmed by a source familiar with the deal. This agreement, which is pending a physical, also includes a mutual option for the 2027 season.

The 30-year-old Littell had a productive year in 2025, splitting time between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cincinnati Reds. He finished the season with a 10-8 record and a 3.81 ERA, showcasing his capabilities on the mound. Notably, he was traded from the Rays to the Reds on July 30, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

During the 2025 season, Littell reached career highs with 32 starts and 186 2/3 innings pitched. One of the standout moments of his season came when he threw his first career complete game in a dominant 16-3 victory against the Houston Astros on May 31.

The Nationals are currently in a rebuilding phase under the leadership of Paul Toboni, who recently took on the role of president of baseball operations. After a disappointing 66-96 season last year, the organization is looking to revitalize its roster, having not posted a winning season since their 2019 World Series championship.

Littell will be joining a rotation that includes Cade Cavalli and Miles Mikolas, who signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract last month. The Nationals also made headlines earlier this year when they traded MacKenzie Gore to Texas in exchange for five prospects.

Drafted in the 11th round of the 2013 amateur draft, Littell made his big league debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2018. Over his career, he has accumulated a record of 34-29, with a 3.88 ERA across 155 relief appearances and 79 starts, including stints with the San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.