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Report: Nationals trying to trade Derek Norris

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

It appears Derek Norris' tenure with the Washington Nationals could be over before it even begins.

After signing catcher Matt Wieters to a two-year, $21-million deal, the club is trying to find a taker for Norris, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, citing major-league teams.

The Nationals' decision to sign Wieters came as a surprise, especially since the team already went out and traded for Norris earlier in the offseason, who at the time seemed like the logical replacement for the departed Wilson Ramos.

Unfortunately for Norris, his expected playing time in Washington took a huge hit with the Wieters acquisition, so the Nats shopping him makes sense. With spring training underway, it remains to be seen if the club can find a trading partner. The Nationals' crowded depth chart at the catcher position also includes Jose Lobaton and Pedro Severino.

Norris, 28, was acquired by the Nationals on Dec. 2 from San Diego. He's coming off a down year at the plate which saw him slash .186/.255/.328 in 125 games.

There were reasons to be optimistic heading into this season, however, as Norris experienced some bad luck at the plate in 2016. His batting average for balls in play was .238, which is bound to improve, and his hard-hit rate (34.4 percent) was a career best. He is owed $4.25 million in 2017.

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