Report: Nationals, Maikel Franco agree to minor-league deal

The Washington Nationals agreed to a minor-league deal with veteran third baseman Maikel Franco, sources told The Washington Post's Jesse Dougherty.

Franco appeared in 104 games for the Baltimore Orioles last season before he was released in August. The 29-year-old slashed .210/.253/.355 with 11 home runs, 22 doubles, and 47 RBIs.

The Dominican infielder finished the 2021 campaign with the Atlanta Braves' Triple-A affiliate, making him eligible to sign during Major League Baseball's labor stoppage.

Franco was an integral part of the Philadelphia Phillies early in his career, hitting 22 or more homers in three consecutive seasons from 2016-2018.

This is the Nationals' second veteran addition in the past two days after the club reportedly inked speedster Dee Strange-Gordon to a minor-league deal Saturday.