WASHINGTON -- The Nationals filled their need for a powerful left-handed bat off the bench on Friday, when they officially announced a one-year deal with free agent Matt Adams. The contract is worth $4 million plus up to $500,000 in performance bonuses, according to a source.
Adams, 29, will slot into the same role as Lind, serving as a backup first baseman to Ryan Zimmerman and a left-handed slugger off the bench. Adams also has some experience in left field, and he could play there if the Nats needed it.
Adams spent last season with the Cardinals and Braves, and he posted a slash line of .274/.319/.522 with 20 home runs. Like they did with Lind, the Nationals will likely deploy Adams primarily against righties, considering his career OPS versus right-handers (.828) is significantly higher than it is against lefties (.593).
The Nationals have been tasked with rebuilding their bench this offseason after they lost a few key pieces to free agency. Adams becomes the first position player they have signed this winter, and he will have to adjust to life as a primary pinch-hitter. Before being traded to the Braves this past season, he was a starter for most of his career with the Cardinals. However, Adams has excelled in his limited experience coming off the bench. In 155 plate appearances as a pinch hitter, he has hit .315/.342/.555 with nine home runs.