The Washington Nationals have made their first notable signing of the offseason. To fortify their infield, they signed 31-year-old second baseman Cesar Hernandez to a one-year contract. Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported that the deal is worth $4 million with $1 million worth of incentives.

Hernandez spent last season with the Cleveland Guardians (then the Indians) and the Chicago White Sox. The switch hitter recorded a career-best 21 home runs last season but also posted his lowest OPS since 2015. He posted a slash line of .232/.308/.386 and tallied 132 hits in 149 games last season.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Washington Nationals pitcher Kyle Finnegan (67) reacts after the final out against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park.
Nationals rumors: NL save leader will make for appealing trade target for contenders
Washington Nationals center fielder Dylan Crews (3) hits an infield single against the Baltimore Orioles during the fourth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Nationals’ Dylan Crews finds silver lining in IL trip
Washington Nationals catcher Andrew Knizner (9) poses for a photo during picture day at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.
Nationals release catcher hitting .382 in Triple-A

In the shortened 2020 season, Hernandez won the Gold Glove Award, though this season seemed to be an exception for him, not the norm. Last season, he recorded -11 defensive runs saved and has posted a negative figure six times in his nine-year career. Still, he offers positional flexibility for Washington, as he has experience with three infield positions.

The Nationals, after selling off some of their biggest names at the deadline, are embarking on a rebuild centered around MVP candidate Juan Soto. They haven't done much to surround their young superstar with notable talent so far. They also have not agreed to a contract extension with him. That matter isn't urgent but they have no reason not to delay the extension of Soto, one of baseball's very best talents.