Nationals agree to minor-league deal with Reed Johnson

Hours after receiving his unconditional release from the Miami Marlins, veteran outfielder Reed Johnson was handed an opportunity to earn a job with one of their division rivals.

Johnson, 38, agreed Monday afternoon to a minor-league deal with the Washington Nationals that will reportedly pay him $1 million in 2015 should he land a spot on the 25-man roster.

Felled by injuries to several key players, including outfielders Denard Span and Jayson Werth, the Nationals may be forced to rely on Johnson through at least the early stages of the season.

"Being a veteran player, winning becomes very important. I think that's the easiest part of it," Johnson told MLB.com's William Ladson. "The Nationals have a track record the last few years of playing some good baseball. That's attractive to any player, especially a veteran player like me."

Johnson managed -0.7 WAR over 113 games last season, though, hitting only .235/.266/.348 with two home runs and just one walk in 201 plate appearances.