/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63756935/1139135668.jpg.0.jpg)
UPDATE: 12:14 PM EDT: Jon Heyman confirmed that the Nationals and Parra have agreed to a major league deal. Still no word on possible corresponding moves...
With the Washington Nationals’ offense decimated by injuries, they appear to be making a move to add another bat to the mix.
According to Sam Fortier of The Washington Post, the Nationals are progressing toward a deal with free agent outfielder Gerardo Parra.
There was also an earlier report from José Rivera of ESPN Deportes claiming an agreement had been reached between the two sides and that Parra would join the team in Los Angeles for their four-game series with the Dodgers.
Parra was recently let go by the San Francisco Giants after struggling with the bat to start the season as he slashed just .198/.278/.267 despite displaying impressive defense. Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy was sad to see him leave.
“It’s always tough to say goodbye to a really, really good guy and player in Parra,” Bochy told John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle after the outfielder was designated for assignment.
“I consider myself fortunate to get a chance to know him and see him at least for these couple of months, see what kind of guy he is, kind of person. We’ll miss him.”
In his career, Parra has slashed a solid .277/.324/.402 and was coming off of three solid seasons with the Colorado Rockies before making his way to San Francisco.
He would no doubt be an upgrade over current fourth outfielder Andrew Stevenson with the bat while not losing too much on the defensive side of the ball given the rave reviews.
He could also be intriguing from the left-side of the plate on a team that currently only has three available left-handed bats in Stevenson, Adam Eaton, and switch-hitter Wilmer Difo.
If the reports of him joining the team in Los Angeles are true, then that means it would be a major league deal and he would be added to the active roster once it becomes official.
No news of a potential corresponding move has been reported, but Michael A. Taylor may be the player that makes way. Taylor has looked lost at the plate so far this season and would likely be the fifth option once Juan Soto returns from the IL.
It’s not exactly a blockbuster move for the Nationals, but the team’s offense will take any upgrade that it can get with several key bats currently missing.
More info when it’s available...