Jayson Werth signed a seven year, $126 million deal with the Washington Nationals on Monday, ending the free agency of the former Phillies outfielder in a shocking move, according to the Nationals website.
The 31-year-old Werth could be signed for the aforementioned amount to replace the power of Adam Dunn, who signed with the Chicago White Sox earlier this offseason.
“I think everyone is uncomfortable giving any player a seven-year deal,” Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told MLB.com. “Sometimes, you have to give the years to get the players. With that said, we feel that this is the type of guy to get a long-term deal because he takes good care of his body.”
Werth, who helped the Phillies land a World Series title two years ago, batted .296/.388/.532, hit 27 home runs, and posted 85 RBIs last season.
Rizzo said that Werth’s “best days haven’t been had yet,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
The newspaper noted that he was pursued by various teams, including the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, during the offseason.
The 31-year-old Werth could be signed for the aforementioned amount to replace the power of Adam Dunn, who signed with the Chicago White Sox earlier this offseason.
“I think everyone is uncomfortable giving any player a seven-year deal,” Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told MLB.com. “Sometimes, you have to give the years to get the players. With that said, we feel that this is the type of guy to get a long-term deal because he takes good care of his body.”
Werth, who helped the Phillies land a World Series title two years ago, batted .296/.388/.532, hit 27 home runs, and posted 85 RBIs last season.
Rizzo said that Werth’s “best days haven’t been had yet,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
The newspaper noted that he was pursued by various teams, including the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, during the offseason.
