The Washington Nationals have avoided arbitration with outfielder Victor Robles agreeing on a one-year deal, according to the Washington Post’s Jesse Dougherty. Terms of the deal are not yet known.
The two sides were unable to reach a deal prior to the pre-arbitration deadline. Robles was seeking $2.1 million in salary. The Nationals submitted a counter offer of $1.6 million.
The two sides were allowed to continue negotiations. Ultimately they landed on a deal that keeps them from an arbitration hearing later this month.
This was the first time the 24-year old Robles was eligible for arbitration. He’s under club control for through 2024.
Victor Robles was once a highly-touted prospect and the future center fielder. His first full season in the majors seemed to stamp the hype. He started 155 games in 2019, hit .255/.326/.419 with 17 home runs, 65 RBIs and 28 stolen bases. He was an integral part in the Nationals winning the World Series that season.
However, he’s been unable to reach or exceed that level of production. After a sluggish 2020 season, he lost his job as everyday center fielder during the 2021 season to Lane Thomas.
Robles was sent back down to the minors for re-seasoning. Last season he hit .203/.310/.295 with two home runs and 19 RBIs with eight stolen bases in 107 games.
This year, he seemingly will get every chance to reclaim his spot.
Nationals manager Dave Martinez essentially has already named Robles the Opening Day center fielder. His impeccable defense is in large part the reason. The hope is he’ll eliminate the horrific at-bats, and head-scratching base running.
