Denard Span inks three-year deal with Giants

If the Nationals add another outfielder this offseason, it won't be Denard Span. The Giants announced this evening they reached a three-year deal with Span, one reportedly worth $31 million, pending a physical. Span had been the Nationals' center fielder and leadoff hitter since coming to Washington in a trade with Minnesota before the 2013 season.

Speaking earlier today following a press conference introducing new Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy, general manager Mike Rizzo indicated the team had maintained contact throughout the winter with Span but called re-signing him a "remote possibility."

Of all the Nationals' free agents this offseason, Span seemed to have the best chance of returning, especially with Washington searching for a veteran center fielder, left-handed bat and leadoff man. But Span was looking for a multi-year deal and the Nationals just experienced an injury-filled season with him, cut short by hip surgery in August.

Span also underwent two abdominal procedures in the last 13 months, forcing him to miss most of spring training, opening day and an additional 101 games in 2015.

Over his three seasons in the nation's capital, Span slashed .292/.345/.404 with 84 doubles, 62 stolen bases and 207 runs scored. He tied for the National League lead in hits with 184 in 2014.

Span was understandably emotional when speaking on Aug. 29 after the torn hip labrum ended his season,and seemed to foresee an end to his career in Washington.

"It has made me sad because I've enjoyed my three years here," Span said. "I feel like coming here really resurrected my career. Coming from Minnesota, this trade was probably the best thing for me at the time. I've learned a lot here from the coaching staff and my teammates. It's just been a good time here."

The Nationals reportedly were a finalist for Jason Heyward before the three-time Gold Glove-winning outfielder opted for a mega-deal with the Cubs last month. There have also been rumors linking the Nationals to free agent outfielder Gerardo Parra.

With opening day three months away, the Nationals are currently set to start Jayson Werth in left field, Michael A. Taylor in center and NL MVP Bryce Harper in right. Matt den Dekker, Tyler Moore and Clint Robinson comprise the bench options.

Rizzo said he likes how the Nationals outfield is currently constructed, indicating the addition of another outfielder is still a possibility but not imperative.

"If there's a value out there that could help the ballclub, then we would certainly look into it," Rizzo said. "We like our depth and we like our talent level."

Without Span, new Nationals manager Dusty Baker still has to identify a leadoff man. Anthony Rendon, Werth and Taylor are the likely candidates as the roster stands now.