Report: Nationals agree to 2-year, $12M deal with Starlin Castro

The Washington Nationals and infielder Starlin Castro agreed to a two-year, $12-million contract, pending a physical, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Castro, 29, appeared in all 162 games with the Miami Marlins last year, hitting .270/.300/.436 with 22 home runs and two steals.

The four-time All-Star became a free agent when the Marlins declined his $16-million team option shortly after the World Series.

Castro is expected to be the everyday second baseman for the reigning World Series champions, relegating Wilmer Difo to a bench role. Top infield prospect Carter Kieboom was also considered to be in the running for the Opening Day job at second base.

The signing is not expected to impact the Nationals' pursuit of Josh Donaldson - whom they've reportedly tendered a four-year contract worth approximately $100 million - but it represents a contingency plan should the former MVP sign elsewhere, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The Nats have also reportedly held discussions with Asdrubal Cabrera, who could play second base if Castro moves to third.

Washington was left without a third baseman when Anthony Rendon signed a seven-year, $245-million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.