Jeffress didn't pitch in 2021 after being released by the Nationals early in spring training due to what the club referred to only as "personnel reasons.” The 34-year-old wants to play again in 2022, though, and was clocked at 96 mph recently, per Murray. There's sure to be interest in Jeffress, although he'll probably have to take a minor league deal.

When asked Sunday morning, Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo stated, “He was released for personnel reasons.” The 33-year-old was only with the Nationals for about two weeks after signing a minor league deal last month. The right-hander finished 2020 with a 1.54 ERA and eight saves in 23.1 innings and was a finalist for the Natonal League Reliever of the Year Award.

The deal includes a $1.25 million salary if he makes the major league roster with an additional $1.25 million in possible performance incentives. It's a bit surprising he had to settle for a minor league deal after posting a 1.54 ERA over 22 appearances with the Cubs last season, but the secondary numbers weren't nearly as impressive. He had a shaky 17/12 K/BB ratio in 23 1/3 innings, with a continued dip in his swinging strike rate. Still, the Nationals can't complain with this deal.

Feinsand names the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Cubs, Astros, Dodgers, Mets, Phillies and Nationals as possible landing spots. The 33-year-old Jeffress registered a 1.54 ERA and eight saves over 22 appearances with the Cubs in 2020, though his peripherals (17/12 K/BB ratio in 23 1/3 innings) weren't nearly as impressive. Still, he figures to land a late-inning role somewhere.