Nationals Reportedly Re-signing Asdrubal Cabrera, Not Out of Josh Donaldson Sweepstakes

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The Washington Nationals continue to shore up their infield, agreeing to a one-year deal to bring back Asdrubal Cabrera.

Can confirm that Asdrúbal Cabrera is coming back to the Nationals on a one-year, $2.5 million deal. The Nationals agree to terms with Starlin Castro and Cabrera in back-to-back days. A lot of versatile pieces. @ByRobertMurray had this first.

— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) January 4, 2020

Cabrera’s signing comes a day after the team agreed to a two-year deal worth $12 million with Starlin Castro.

Cabrera joined the Nationals mid-season in 2019 after the club claimed him off waivers after he struggled with the Texas Rangers. Cabrera turned into a huge steal, as he hit .323/.404/.565 with six home runs and 40 RBIs in 38 games.

Cabrera can play along the infield and so can Castro. The two signings could be a sign the Nationals are pulling out of the Josh Donaldson sweepstakes. However, that may not be the case, according to MLB analyst Jim Bowden.

#Nationals not necessarily out on Donaldson after signing both Castro and Cabrera according to sources.— Jim Bowden⚾️ (@JimBowdenGM) January 4, 2020

The Nationals are reportedly one of three teams who have offered the talented third baseman a four-year deal worth $100 million. A recent report says Donaldson is holding out for a team to offer $110 million.

The Nationals will carry 13 position players on Opening Day. They now have Gomes, Suzuki, Kendrick, Cabrera, Castro, Turner, Soto, Robles, Eaton and Taylor as locks. That’s 10, if you think Taylor is one.

So what are those last three spots for?

— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) January 4, 2020

Cabrera’s add gives the Nationals option and depth behind Castro at second base and Trea Turner at shortstop. There are also questions at first base as the World Series champions brought back postseason hero Howie Kendrick but have not inked Ryan Zimmerman.