Suzuki, Difo find new homes for 2021

Not that either was expected to return to D.C. for another season, but a pair of notable Nationals players from recent years - Kurt Suzuki and Wilmer Difo - officially found new homes Friday.

Suzuki signed with the Angels for one year and $1.5 million. Difo agreed to a minor league contract with the Pirates that will include an invitation to big league camp this spring.

The Nationals had long since decided to part ways with both players, so the news didn't come as a huge surprise. But we'll now find out if either has a bounceback season in him with a new organization.

Suzuki became a free agent in October after his two-year, $10 million contract with the Nationals expired. The club didn't appear to show much interest in attempting to re-sign the 37-year-old, who was an offensive force in 2019 but slipped in 2020 and remained a defensive liability behind the plate.

In Anaheim, Suzuki will back up starting catcher Max Stassi, new Angels general manager Perry Minasian told reporters. The former Cal State-Fullerton player returns to familiar ground, and he'll once again be teammates with Anthony Rendon.

The Nationals, meanwhile, continue to search for another catcher to pair with Yan Gomes, who returns for his third season in D.C. General manager Mike Rizzo suggested last month he expects Gomes to catch 100 or more games, so the insinuation is that he's seeking a backup and not a frontline catcher (like the highly coveted and high-priced J.T. Realmuto).

Difo will hope to make the Pirates' opening day roster with a strong spring training performance after accepting a minor league deal.

The 28-year-old infielder was designated for assignment by the Nationals on Sept. 5, unable to stick on the big league roster and out of options five years after making his major league debut. Though he cleared waivers and reported to the organization's alternate training site in Fredericksburg, he became a free agent Oct. 13.

Difo played winter ball in his native Dominican Republic, trying to garner interest in his services. The Pirates came calling and made him a minor league offer and a shot in spring training, though he'll need to beat out several big league infielders to make the roster.

For now, the Nationals appear content to enter the 2021 season with Josh Harrison taking over as utility infielder, though the veteran also plays the outfield. They could still seek to add another true backup middle infielder.