Source: Nationals progressing toward deal with Matt Wieters

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Nationals and Matt Wieters had been linked to each other all winter, seemingly a good match for both the club and the free agent catcher. This morning, the two sides appear finally to have found common ground.

Though nothing is done yet, a source familiar with the talks said the Nationals are progressing toward a deal with Wieters, one that could be finalized soon.

Terms of this potential deal haven't been confirmed, but Wieters reportedly will get a two-year contract with the ability to opt out after the first year.

If completed, the Nationals would have themselves a four-time All-Star catcher, though one whose offensive production has appeared to stagnate in recent seasons. A consistent 20-homer threat from 2011-13 with the Orioles, Wieters missed considerable time in 2014-15 following Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and last season hit only .243 with a .302 on-base percentage, 17 homers, 66 RBIs and a .711 OPS that ranked 13th among 15 major league catchers with at least 400 plate appearances.

Wieters' biggest strength has always been behind the plate, where he boasts a strong arm. His 33 percent career caught stealing rate is well above the league average of 27 percent.

The Nationals wouldn't need Wieters to be a huge offensive force; he'd almost certainly bat eighth in manager Dusty Baker's daily lineup. But the 30-year-old's potential acquisition does create a significant logjam at the catching position.

Willing to let Wilson Ramos - still rehabbing from the second torn ACL of his career - walk as a free agent and sign with the Rays, the Nationals acquired Derek Norris in an early December trade with the Padres. Norris, 28, is coming off a bad offensive season - his .583 OPS was worst among all qualifying major league catchers - but he's due $4.2 million.

The Nationals also have longtime No. 2 catcher Jose Lobaton (making $1.575 million) on the roster, plus prospect Pedro Severino waiting in the wings.

With their 40-man roster currently full after last week's signing of first baseman Adam Lind, the Nationals would need to do some maneuvering before any deal with Wieters is made official.

The Wieters news was first reported by FanRagSports' Jon Heyman, with contract details first reported by the New York Post's Joel Sherman.