Matt Wieters needed to sign soon and now it seems he has finally settled on which team to settle with as it is being reported that the Washinton Nationals have reached an agreement with Wieters on a two year deal, that allows the catcher to opt out after the first year.
The Rays had been linked to Wieters over the past month and had even made an offer to him for reportedly one year with the hopes that he would boost his value and receive a better offer in free agency. The Rays must not have wanted to gaurantee the second year, which is what Wieters was seeking.
The Nationals were able to land Wieters for a two year deal that would total $21M, with $10M coming in 2017 and $11M in 2018. Wieters does have an opt out however following the 2017 season.
Wieters, 30, slashed .243/.302/.409 with 17 HR last year, good for a 88 wRC+ and he accrued 1.7 fWAR. Those offensive numbers are respectable for a catcher, but well below Wieters numbers over his career thus leading to a slow off-season for him.
The Rays now seem set to begin spring games with a catching foursome of Michael McKenry, Jesus Sucre, Curt Casali, and Luke Maile all competing for spots on the opening day roster and holding down the starting catcher job until Wilson Ramos returns from his injury.