Former Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber signs with Nats.

Slugging outfielder Kyle Schwarber agreed in principle to a one-year, $10 million contract with the Washington Nationals.

The power-hitting outfielder who had a big 2019 and a disappointing 2020 said Saturday his relationship with current Nationals skipper Dave Martinez was “a big factor.” Martinez was a coach with the Cubs during part of Schwarber’s time in Chicago.

“Davey was a huge influence on me in baseball,” Schwarber said

Schwarber was able to sign with any club after becoming a free agent last month when he was nontendered by the Cubs. He was a member of their drought-ending 2016 World Series championship team, hitting .412 in the Fall Classic after missing much of that season with an injured left knee.

The 27-year-old Schwarber struggled at the plate during the pandemic-truncated 2020 season, hitting .188 with a .701 OPS for the Cubs. A year earlier, he produced 38 homers and 92 RBIS, a .250 batting average and an .871 on-base plus slugging percentage, all career highs.

Schwarber fills two needs that Washington General Manager Mike Rizzo outlined heading into the offseason: a corner outfielder and a power hitter to help protect NL batting champion Juan Soto in the lineup.

The Nats also previously traded for Pirates first baseman Josh Bell.

Notable

The Phillies acquired right-hander Sam Coonrod from the Giants in exchange for right-hander Carson Ragsdale, 2020 draft pick.

The 28-year-old Coonrod went 0-2 with three saves and a 9.82 ERA in 18 appearances for the Giants last season.