Jayson Werth, Nationals Reach 7-Year Deal

by Marc Lancaster

Filed under: Nationals, Phillies, MLB Transactions, MLB Free Agency, MLB Winter Meetings

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Jayson Werth, one of the top free agents on the market this winter, pulled the first huge shock of the offseason by signing with the Washington Nationals.

Washington announced a seven-year deal with the 31-year-old outfielder Sunday afternoon at baseball's Winter Meetings -- which have not yet even officially begun. Werth will get $126 million in the deal, according to several reports.

"He'll be a centerpiece of our ballclub on the field and in the clubhouse," said Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo.

Werth spent the past four seasons with the Phillies, emerging as an offensive force the last few years after what had been a spotty career up until that point. Most of the speculation surrounding where he might sign this winter centered on the Red Sox.

 

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