Washington Nationals Sign Free Agent Third Baseman

The Washington Nationals weren't expected to be too active in the upper tiers of the free agent market, but that doesn't mean they don't have some holes to fill. They've added a once-promising third baseman on a one-year deal.

Source: Former #Tigers third baseman Jeimer Candelario and the Nationals are in agreement on a one-year contract.
— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) November 29, 2022

The Tigers non-tendered Candelario a week ago, after he struggled in 2022 to follow up a strong couple of seasons. For two years, in fact, the now 29-year-old looked like a solid piece of the team's future, putting up a strong OPS+ of 125 (25% better than the averaged player) over the '20 and '21 seasons combined while leading the majors in doubles in '21 with 42 two-sackers.

But he fell off to a .217 average with a .633 OPS this past season and the Tigers decided to look in another direction.

The Nationals, meanwhile, got very little production out of their 3rd base spot this past season, finishing 28th in baseball (third-last) with a .613 OPS of their third basemen. They'll hope for Candelario to regain his form of a couple of years ago.

Source:The #JeimerCandelario deal with the #Nationals 1 Year Contract is worth $6 Millions, $5 million guaranteed and $1 million in bonus depend on his performance ✍🏽 pic.twitter.com/Rax6Npx90x
— Mike Rodriguez (@mikedeportes) November 29, 2022