McLouth to the Nats

[NV]

6:02pm: McLouth's club option for 2016 is worth $6.5MM, ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reports.
3:58pm: The Nationals and McLouth agreed to a two-year, $10.75MM contract with a third-year option, reports Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link).
3:45pm: The Nationals have agreed to a two-year pact with free agent outfielder Nate McLouth, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). McLouth is represented by The Sparta Group.
 
Rosenthal goes on to note that while McLouth will technically be the Nats' fourth outfielder behind Bryce Harper, Denard Span and Jayson Werth, but he will get "significant" at-bats. McLouth will serve as insurance for all three outfield positions, but he could also see a more regular role if recent rumors that Span could be available prove to be true.
The 32-year-old McLouth batted .258/.329/.399 with 12 homers and a career-best 30 stolen bases for the Orioles last season. Curiously, McLouth swiped 24 bases in 28 attempts in the season's first half but only attempted nine steals in the entire second half. He's significantly better against right-handed pitching, as he batted just .209/.283/.357 against fellow lefties in 2013.
McLouth's career looked to be on a downward trajectory after he struggled in Atlanta and was released midseason upon his return to the Pirates organization. However, he latched on with the Orioles, and over a span of 201 games with Baltimore, he slashed .261/.333/.409. MLBTR's Tim Dierkes correctly pegged that McLouth would sign a two-year deal this offseason in his free agent profile, pegging him for a $10MM guarantee.

mlbtr

 

[Teagz]

He'll be a damn good 4th OF.

 

[snipezo]

yep

 

[Lake Louise]

I'm surprised that he didn't stay with the Orioles. Coming off a good year, for him, in an increased role, now we'll see how he does in a more subdued role, which is what he's more used to.
 
Plus, he may have a good chance of playing more than some 4th OF's might with Werth and Harper having their injury issues.