Free agent Jeimer Candelario has agreed to a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals for the 2023 season, the team announced on Tuesday. The $5 million deal provides for up to $1 million in performance-based bonuses.
Candelario last played for the Detroit Tigers, however, he was non-tendered by the team earlier this month. This came after the 29-year-old player compiled a career-low .633 OPS in 2022.
While last season proved to be a low point for the seven-year veteran, he will be looking to return to his 2021 form, when he led the league in doubles with 42. Considering that Washington is currently in the early phases of its team rebuilding process, Candelario has a prime opportunity to make an impact and turn around the team’s fortunes.
Joining the Chicago Cubs back in 2016, Candelario was traded to the Detroit Tigers a year later, where he hit a career-high 19 home runs in 2018.
Tuesday proved to be a busy day for the Nationals, with the team signing outfielder Stone Garrett from the Arizona Diamondbacks in addition. Garrett hit. .276 with four home runs in 27 games for the Diamondbacks last season.
