Nationals agree to contract with Dickerson

*Photo from FanSided*

   Needing an outfielder and a lefty bat, both needs got checked at once. The Washington Nationals and OF Corey Dickerson have agreed to a one year, $2.25 million deal, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The deal has been confirmed.

   In the deal, Dickerson has an extra $750,000 in bonuses that can max the deal out at one year and $3 million. Dickerson has been a productive hitter at Nationals Park throughout his career, posting a .359 batting average and 1.079 OPS in 19 games at the ballpark.

   Dickerson said of his Washington success that "I like the more modern ballpark. You see the ball really well there. I don't know, I always really enjoyed playing there. And usually when you get something good going, you hit good somewhere, you just get good vibes from it and every time you come back you remember those good vibes, those good times and try to repeat it."

   Last season was spent with the St. Louis Cardinals, Dickerson's 3rd team in two years. He posted a .267 batting average, .399 slugging percentage, and .698 OPS, adding 36 RBI's and 6 home runs in 96 games. He went two for 6 in the playoffs this past year.

   Throughout his career, Dickerson has played for 7 teams in 10 years, with Washington set to be number 8. He has a .281 batting average, .324 on base percentage, and .481 slugging percentage, hitting 134 home runs with 452 RBI's in 1,033 games played. Dickerson has a .240 batting average with 3 RBI's and one homer in 7 career playoff games.

   Asked about joining the Nationals, Dickerson said that "It's a great opportunity. I take fulfillment in getting to know people right away, trying to learn the sense of humor of every single guy, how you can joke with them, how are they approachable and just try to be a good teammate, let them know that I’m there to help in any way."

   Dickerson will likely become the starting left fielder for the Nationals, flanked by Victor Robles in center and Lane Thomas in right. Alex Call and Stone Garrett will also compete for playing time in the outfield, with Joey Meneses and Dominic Smith also able to play the outfield when needed.

   So far this offseason, the Nationals have brought in Smith, Dickerson, Jeimer Candelario, and Thad Ward, while re-signing reliever Erasmo Ramirez.