Report: Nationals, Parra progressing toward contract

The Washington Nationals and free-agent outfielder Gerardo Parra are making progress on a contract, sources told Jamal Collier of MLB.com.

Meanwhile, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported that Parra and the Giants have agreed to a major-league deal, but multiple reports out of D.C. are indicating the sides remain in talks and that a contract isn't finished just yet.

Parra was designated for assignment by the San Francisco Giants last week and elected to become a free agent on Tuesday shortly after clearing waivers. He appeared in 30 games with the Giants after making the team out of spring training, but hit just .198/.278/.267 with a homer, six RBIs, and two steals before getting cut.

The 32-year-old will give the struggling and banged-up Nationals some additional outfield depth. Young star Juan Soto is currently on the injured list with a back issue, while reserve outfielder Michael A. Taylor, who's been starting since Soto was hurt, has gone just 1-for-18 with nine strikeouts in six games this month.

A veteran of 11 major-league seasons, Parra owns a career slash line of .277/.324/.402 with 1,265 hits, 80 homers, 480 RBIs, and 90 steals across 1,377 games with five teams. He's perhaps best known for his stellar defense and owns a pair of Gold Glove Awards.