Adams jumped at chance to re-sign with "A-class organization"

From the moment he departed Washington for St. Louis (via a late-August waiver claim) Matt Adams made it clear he'd be interested in returning to the Nationals next season. He wasn't just saying it to be nice to his former employer.

Adams officially rejoined the Nats today after passing a physical, the last step toward finalizing a one-year, $3 million contract that also includes a $4 million mutual option for 2020 (or a $1 million buyout). And the big slugger explained why he was so motivated to come back to an organization for which he only played 94 games.

"I think it's just the type of people. Not only players and coaches, but everybody in the organization, from top of bottom," he said during a conference call with reporters this afternoon. "It's an A-class organization, and it's a place that feels like home to me. I know I was only there for three-quarters of a season, but it felt way longer than that. I'm just very excited that the opportunity presented itself to be able to sign back."

The Nationals were more than happy to welcome Adams back with open arms. Needing a left-handed backup first baseman to complement Ryan Zimmerman for the third straight year, they decided to stick with a known entity rather than take a chance on a new face.

And for good reason. Adams thrived in his time in Washington this season, batting .281 with 18 homers and a .911 OPS before getting mired in an 0-for-21 slump prior to the Cardinals claiming him.

He was at his best when getting regular at-bats - with the Nationals, his OPS as a starter was .885 compared to .562 as a reserve - but he understands there again is no guarantee of playing time. If Zimmerman is healthy and productive, Adams will come off the bench. If Zimmerman gets hurt or struggles to the point he deserves to be benched, Adams will be on-call to step in and deliver.

"I think it's just coming up with that mindset of being ready whether your name's called or not," he said. "Whether it's on an everyday basis or sporadic, here and there, pinch-hitting off the bench, filling in and giving Zim a blow when he needs it. But I think going into spring training in the best shape I can possibly be in, going in ready to get better, ready to work. And wherever the season takes me, playing time-wise, I'm just excited to be on a winning club with a good chance to get back to the postseason."

As he did last winter, Adams didn't wait around too long before choosing a ballclub. He officially signed with the Nationals on Dec. 22, 2017, and now he has officially re-signed with them on Dec. 18, 2018.

"For me, the way my brain and myself works, the later I sign, the more freaked out I'm going to be," he admitted. "Because it's the unknown that's out there. Not knowing where you're going to go, how many people you're going to know on that team you're going to sign with ...

"For me, I was lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to sign back with the Nats, where I know everybody and I get along with absolutely everybody from front office to coaches and all the players. For me, it felt like the right opportunity, and I was just fortunate to get the deal done when we got it done."