Nationals sign Matt Adams to one-year deal

The Nationals' search for a backup first baseman with a power left-handed bat is over.

Matt Adams has agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Nationals, according to industy sources. The deal also reportedly includes $400,000 in incentives.

Adams' arrival in D.C. fills the void on the bench left by Adam Lind, who served as a backup to Ryan Zimmerman at first base and in the corner outfield positions. Lind's power lefty bat was a useful tool at former manager Dusty Baker's disposal for pinch-hitting or giving Zimmerman a day of rest: He slashed .303/.362/.513 with 14 homers and 59 RBIs overall and .356/.396/.644 with four homers and 13 RBIs as a pinch-hitter this past season.

But on Nov. 2, the Nationals declined the $5 million mutual option on Lind's one-year deal with the club, making him a free agent and paying him a $500,000 buyout. The 34-year-old is now seeking a multi-year contract and perhaps looking to return to the American League, where he can serve as a full-time designated hitter

"It was a mutual option. He had the option to decline, we had the option to decline," general manager Mike Rizzo said at this past week's Winter Meetings. "We felt that at $5 million, we'll get a capable bat for that - or less."

That they did.

Adams, 29, will provide a younger and cheaper left-handed bat for new skipper Dave Martinez to use off the bench late in games or when the 33-year-old Zimmerman needs break. Adams brings a career .271/.315/.569 slash line with 75 home runs and 275 RBIs over six seasons with the Cardinals and Braves. He was traded from St. Louis to Atlanta this past May with cash for a minor league infielder.

In 155 career plate appearances as a pinch-hitter, Adams has slashed .315/.342/.555 with nine homers, 41 RBIs and seven walks. He hit two home runs with 13 RBIs in 50 plate appearances as a pinch-hitter this season between the Cardinals and Braves.

The Athletic was the first to report the Nationals and Adams were close to a deal. FanRag Sports and MLB Network were the first to mention terms.