Report: Nationals, Alex Avila agree to 1-year, $1.5M deal

The Washington Nationals have agreed to a one-year contract with catcher Alex Avila, sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The deal is pending a physical and valued at $1.5 million, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.

Avila, 33, spent the 2020 campaign with the Minnesota Twins, hitting .184/.355/.286 in 23 games. An All-Star in 2011, Avila has been something of a journeyman in recent years after starting his career with a seven-season run with the Detroit Tigers.

The left-hitting backstop will bolster Washington's catching depth alongside Yan Gomes.

The Nationals have been one of baseball's busiest teams this offseason. Washington has already signed closer Brad Hand and starter Jon Lester, re-signed infielder Ryan Zimmerman, and traded for first baseman Josh Bell.