Report: Nationals place Norris on waivers

Just over three months into his stint as a member of the Washington Nationals, it appears Derek Norris is no longer part of the team's plans.

Washington has placed the 28-year-old catcher on waivers, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. If no team claims Norris, the Nationals could then release him and would be responsible for just $700,000 as arbitration salaries are not fully guaranteed.

The Nationals, who traded for Norris and then agreed to a one-year, $4.2-million deal to avoid arbitration, can release that player and pay him only one-sixth of his contracts if they do so before March 15, Heyman reports.

After the team agreed to a surprising one-year, $10.5-million deal with catcher Matt Wieters, it became clear that Norris would struggle for playing time with four catchers, with Jose Lobaton and Pedro Severino also in the mix.

Despite performing below average last season, Norris is a capable catcher that should generate interest if he were to hit the open market. Since 2014, he's contributed 5.8 WAR while hitting .236/.306/.379.