Matt Adams is returning to a Nationals team he believes is better than the one he was traded from and has the potential to make even more moves this off-season.
Adams, a former Slippery Rock University baseball standout, agreed to terms Tuesday on a $4 million, one-year deal with a mutual option for 2020. The 30-year-old first baseman is back with Washington after being traded to St. Louis in August for $50,000. The move by general manager Mike Rizzo fills a void with a left-handed hitter who is expected to split time at first base with Ryan Zimmerman.
“I’m kind of at a loss for words just because I’m excited for this opportunity,” Adams said on a conference call. “The team is definitely better than it was last year with the acquisitions that Rizz has made so far this offseason, and I don’t think that we’re done yet, either. It’s an exciting time for fans and we’re excited to get things rolling in 2019.”
Rizzo bolstered the starting rotation by signing left-hander Patrick Corbin to a $140 million, six-year contract and shored up a weakness at catcher by signing Kurt Suzuki and acquiring Yan Gomes from Cleveland. Rizzo has said he has not ruled out bringing back star outfielder Bryce Harper.
“If the opportunity is there for him to come back and he comes back, I think it’s going to be amazing,” Adams said. “I think everybody on that team would love to have Bryce back.”
