Only two members of World Series roster remain unsigned

As the clock ticks down to the start of spring training, so does the scramble for the remaining unsigned free agents out there to find jobs.

One member of the Nationals' World Series-winning roster found a job Friday: Matt Adams, who agreed to a minor league deal with the Mets.

Adams, the left-handed half of the Nats' first base platoon for most of the last two seasons, will get an invitation to big league camp in Port St. Lucie and have a chance to make the Mets' opening day roster. But with reigning National League Rookie of the Year Pete Alonso firmly entrenched at first base, playing time figures to be sparse for Adams.

It's unfortunate the 31-year-old couldn't find an opportunity that promised more playing time, but he probably didn't help himself much with his tepid second half last season. After hitting .251 with 20 homers, 56 RBIs and an .831 OPS in 92 games through Aug. 19, Adams went ice cold the rest of the way. He hit a paltry .098 (5-for-51) with zero homers, zero RBIs and a .281 OPS over his final 19 games, then was mostly a spectator during the postseason, going 1-for-3 with a walk and strikeout in four plate appearances, all as a pinch-hitter.

Adams becomes the third member of the Nationals' 25-man World Series roster to depart so far this winter, joining Anthony Rendon (Angels) and Gerardo Parra (Yomiuri Giants in Japan).

That leaves only two remaining members of the championship roster still seeking employment as the calendar shifts to February: Brian Dozier and Fernando Rodney.

Dozier, like Adams, became something of an afterthought down the stretch and in the postseason, relegated to more of a cheerleader role than an on-field performer in September and October. The 32-year-old still does have some pop in his bat (he slugged .430 last season) and he remains a hugely popular player around the league. The Diamondbacks have been linked to him, and it seems only a matter of time before someone inks him to a deal.

Rodney might have a tougher time getting a contract, but the soon-to-be 43-year-old insists he still wants to pitch in the majors. He may induce a few heart palpitations when he takes the mound, but the right-hander was nonetheless effective more than not last season for the Nationals, finishing with a 4.05 ERA and 1.350 WHIP in 38 regular season appearances.