Nationals sign Dozier to fill hole at 2B
Brian Dozier WASHINGTON found his latest team — and the Washington Nationals found a temporary solution at second base.
The free agent infielder and the Nationals agreed to a $9 million, one-year contract, subject to the successful completion of a physical exam, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The person confirmed the deal on condition of anonymity because neither the club nor player had made an announcement.
Dozier, who played for the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers last season, would fill Washington’s need for a new starting second baseman and could help add some power to the lineup, particularly important if slugging outfielder Bryce Harper ends up leaving the Nationals as a free agent.
By only committing to Dozier for one season, the Nationals leave open the possibility of turning to leading infield prospect Carter Kieboom at second base in 2020.
The 31-year-old Dozier’s agreement with Washington was first reported by ESPN.
Dozier batted a career-low .215 with 21 homers and 72 RBIs last year. He averaged 35 homers over the preceding three seasons, with a career best of 42 for Minnesota in 2016. He was an AL All-Star in 2015.
In 2017, Dozier led AL second baseman in fielding percentage and won a Gold Glove.
Bringing him aboard would be the latest in a flurry of offseason moves by Washington, which finished second in the NL East behind the Atlanta Braves and missed the playoffs last year.
Jay returns to Windy City.
Free agent outfielder Jon
Jay and the Chicago White Sox have finalized a $4 million, oneyear contract.
The 33-year-old Jay played for Kansas City and Arizona last season, batting .268 with three homers and 40 RBIs in 143 games. He also made at least 24 starts at each spot in the outfield.
The addition of Jay gives the White Sox another veteran hitter after they struck out 1,594 times last season, tops in the majors.
Jay, a Miami native, is a .285 career hitter in nine years in the majors. He made his debut with St. Louis in 2010 and helped the crosstown Cubs win the NL Central in 2017.