Washington Nationals: Adam Lind becomes free agent after big season coming off the bench in D.C.

Washington Nationals’ bench bat Adam Lind signed a 1-year/$1.5M deal with the Nats late last Spring, which included a mutual option for $5M in 2018 (or a $500,000 buyout).

As a pinch hitter for the 2017 NL East champs, Lind, 34, went 16 for 45 (.356/.396/.644), with a double and franchise-record four home runs, which was tied for the MLB lead in pinch hit HRs.

Overall on the year, the veteran IF/OF put up a .303/.362/.513 line with 14 doubles and 14 home runs in 116 games and 301 PAs, over which he produced 122 wRC+, finishing up at 0.9 fWAR.

After making the first postseason appearances of his career in the NLDS, Lind talked about the experience and how much it meant to him.

“It's been a heck of a year, from the beginning of Spring until this point,” he said.

“I mean, I can't really put into words what it's like right now. Probably won't be able to for a good while.”

According to reports out of the nation’s capital tonight, Lind will get a chance to cash in on his big season coming off the Nationals’ bench.

The Nationals reportedly declined the option according to Washington Post writer Chelsea Janes.

The Nationals made the announcement on Twitter hours after introducing new manager Dave Martinez in D.C.

Lind joins 11 other Nationals and 149 other players league-wide on the free agent market.

Other Nationals becoming free agents today: Matt Albers; Joe Blanton; Alejandra De Aza; Stephen Drew; Edwin Jackson; Howie Kendrick; Brandon Kintzler; Jose Lobaton; Oliver Perez, Ryan Raburn, and Jayson Werth.

Will Lind, or any of the other players listed above return to the Nationals in 2018?

The defending 2016-17 NL East champions have some rebuilding to do, with coaches to add to Dave Martinez’s staff, and some needs in the bullpen and on the bench as they prepare to go for their third straight division title.