In search for bullpen reinforcements at the 2017 non-waiver trade deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers struck a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates to acquire southpaw Tony Watson.
Watson had spent the first six and a half seasons of his career with the Pirates, where he appeared in 450 games for the club during the span. The 32-year-old immediately emerged as the Dodgers’ go-to left-handed specialist for the stretch run.
After a successful stint, Watson reached free agency for the first time in his career and looked to cash in. However, a new contract with the Dodgers didn’t appear to be a likely scenario.
Though it took some time, Watson appears to have found a new home for the 2018 season and beyond. According to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY, the rival San Francisco Giants have agreed to a two-year contract, worth $7 million with the left-hander:
Tony Watson Contract: 3 years,
$7 million. #SFGiants— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 17, 2018
Nightengale adds that the third year will be a player option for Watson. Furthermore, his contract includes incentives based on performance:
The third year of Tony Watson’s deal is a player option.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 17, 2018
Tony Watson’s deal also includes plenty of performance bonuses with #SFGiants
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 17, 2018
In 20 innings pitched for the Dodgers last season, Watson posted a solid 2.70 ERA, 3.86 FIP and 1.05 WHIP with 18 strikeouts to six walks. That was a vast improvement from his time with the Pirates, where he compiled a 3.66 ERA, 4.70 FIP and 1.52 WHIP over 46.2 frames during the first half.
In the postseason, Watson allowed three runs (two runs) and seven baserunners over seven innings — good for a 2.57 ERA and 0.86 WHIP.
Given the Dodgers’ left-handed depth out of the bullpen, which includes Tony Cingrani, Adam Liberatore and newcomer Scott Alexander, Watson was deemed expendable.
He becomes the second reliever from the Dodgers’ 2017 World Series roster to depart in free agency, joining former setup man Brandon Morrow, who inked a two-year contract with the Chicago Cubs earlier this offseason.
