WASHINGTON – Outfielder Rick Ankiel and the Washington Nationals have agreed to a $1.5 million, one-year contract.
The deal announced Monday includes $1.25 million in performance bonuses: $200,000 each for 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 plate appearances, and $250,000 for 375.
The 30-year-old left-handed hitter batted .232 with six homers and 24 RBIs this year with Kansas City and Atlanta.
His best season came in 2008, when he hit 25 homers and batted .264 with St. Louis.
The former pitcher is a career .248 hitter with 55 home runs and 181 RBIs.
Washington also agreed to a one-year contract with right-hander Ryan Mattheus and to minor league contracts with right-handers Joe Bisenius and Tim Wood; first baseman Michael Aubrey; infielder Brian Bixler; and outfielders Jeff Frazier and Jonathan Van Every.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.