*Photo from ESPN*
The Washington Nationals can't stop signing people. The Nats have signed 1B Eric Thames to a one year, $4 million deal, according to Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic. Thames will make $3 million in 2020. There is a mutual option for 2021 worth $4 million, with a $1 million buyout, giving Thames $4 million guaranteed. Thames will effectively replace Matt Adams as a lefty first baseman in Washington. It remains to be seen who his platoon partner could be, as Howie Kendrick and free agent Ryan Zimmerman are fit for the position.
Thames spent his last 3 seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, serving as one of their primary first baseman. Thames hit .241 with 72 homers, 161 RBI, and 155 walks in his 3 years in Milwaukee. Thames hit 25 homers and had 61 RBI in 149 games played last season with the Brewers. He was utilized against righties the most, hitting 23 of his 25 homers against right handed pitching, and made just 62 plate appearances against lefties all year, hitting two homers against them. Thames became a free agent when the Brewers declined his $7.5 million option at the end of the season.
Thames began his major league career with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011, but couldn't make an impact, and later landed with the NC Dinos of the Korea Baseball Organization in 2014. He then had 3 spectacular seasons in Korea, which led to the Brewers signing him prior to the 2017 season. The Nationals have had a busy new year, as they shored up the bullpen by signing Will Harris and bringing back Daniel Hudson. They also fortified the infield, signing Thames, Starlin Castro, and Asdrubal Cabrera within 5 days.
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