Nationals agree to terms with infielder Brock Holt (updated)

Manager Davey Martinez confirmed that the Nationals have agreed to terms with veteran infielder Brock Holt. The 32-year-old left-handed hitter can play almost every infield spot and in the outfield, bringing nine seasons of big league experience to the club.

To make room for Holt on the 28-man roster, the Nats optioned left-hander Ben Braymer to the alternate training site in Fredericksburg. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Nationals transferred infielder Starlin Castro (broken right wrist) to the 60-day injured list.

Holt was designated for assignment by the Brewers on Aug. 22 after going 3-for-30 with one RBI and a .222 on-base percentage, but hit .297/.369/.402 with the Red Sox last season. His best season was 2015 when he played 129 games and was named an All-Star, hitting .280 with 27 doubles and 45 RBIs.

"He's a guy that I really liked over the years," Martinez said during his pregame Zoom video call Saturday afternoon. "We think he can help. He can play multiple positions. He can swing the bat. He's going to get a chance to play everywhere here."

Holt has played 243 games at second base, 140 at third base and 187 in the outfield. His versatility is key, and Martinez likes his left-handed bat, too.

"I love those kind of players," Martinez said. "I really do. If one day we have to give Cabby (Asdrúbal Cabrera) a break or one day we have to give Howie (Kendrick) a break, he fits right in. He plays first, he plays third, he plays second, he can play center field, right field, left field. Here is a guy that is very versatile, a left-handed hitter that we obviously need. I think we need another left-handed hitter. Puts the ball in play, does a lot of different things that are good. When these guys come available, they are nice to have and they can fit and they fit everywhere."

Martinez decided to keep Juan Soto in the No. 2 spot in the lineup for tonight's game against the Red Sox, and has Adam Eaton in the five-hole.

"I like Juan hitting second," Martinez said. "I think with Eaton, it gives us another guy in the middle of that lineup that can turn it over for the back end of the lineup. He's done well driving in runs this year, so I like him there. I really do. I think he will do fine there and rest of the guys are guys that play. I like the way the lineup is set up."