The Washington Nationals have reached an agreement on a free-agent contract with right-handed pitcher Zack Littell, according to multiple sources. The 30-year-old Littell, who posted a 3.81 ERA across 32 starts last season, adds veteran depth to the Nationals' rotation. The deal is pending a physical and marks the fourth such addition during spring training.
Zack Littell, a 30-year-old right-hander, has agreed to terms on a free-agent contract with the Washington Nationals, sources including MLB.com and The Athletic reported. The team has not yet confirmed the agreement, which is pending a physical. Littell, ranked as the No. 37 free agent by The Athletic, brings experience as a starter after transitioning from relief roles earlier in his career.
Last season in 2025, Littell made 32 starts split between the Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds, compiling a 10-8 record with a 3.81 ERA over a career-high 186 2/3 innings. He was traded to the Reds at the deadline, where he went 2-0 with a 4.39 ERA in 10 starts, helping bolster their rotation during a playoff push. With the Rays in 2023 and 2024, following his claim off waivers from the Boston Red Sox, Littell thrived as a full-time starter, posting a 3.57 ERA over 65 starts.
Littell's strengths lie in his command, with a 4.2% walk rate that ranked among the best for qualified starters in 2025—tied for the lowest with just 32 walks issued. He relies on a five-pitch mix, primarily a slider (28%), splitter (27%), and four-seamer (24%), though his pitches average below 93 mph and he has a below-average strikeout rate of about 17%. However, he allowed 36 home runs, the second-most in MLB, partly due to pitching in hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park after the trade.
This signing is the fourth veteran arm added by the Nationals in camp, following starter Miles Mikolas and relievers Cionel Pérez and Drew Smith. Littell could slot into the rotation behind projected starters Cade Cavalli, Jake Irvin, Foster Griffin, and Mikolas, with Brad Lord eyed for the fifth spot if Josiah Gray is unavailable for Opening Day. Originally an 11th-round pick by the Mariners in 2013, Littell has appeared in six organizations and made his first playoff start in Game 2 of the 2025 National League Wild Card Series against the Dodgers, allowing three runs in 3 1/3 innings.