OF Schwarber signs with Nationals

Now that they’re both with the Nationals, Kyle Schwarber recalls joking around with Dave Martinez when both were with the Cubs — Schwarber a slugger, Martinez a bench coach. “He goes, ‘Whenever I get a manager’s job, you are going to come over, and you are going to play for me,’” Schwarber recounted. “And now it’s come to fruition.” The power-hitting outfielder who had a big 2019 and a disappointing 2020 signed a one-year contract with the Nats for 2021 that guarantees him $10 million, and Schwarber said Saturday his relationship with current skipper Martinez was “a big factor.” “Davey was a huge influence on me in baseball,” Schwarber said, noting that Martinez helped him make the transition from catcher to outfielder in Chicago. “I love him. I’m so excited to be playing for this guy. I know he’s a baseball guy. He cares about his players,” Schwarber said. “He loves winning. He only wants to win.” Schwarber will make $7 million this season and the contract includes a mutual option for 2022 that would be worth $11.5 million if exercised or guarantee a $3 million buyout if not.