The Washington Nationals agreed to a one-year deal with catcher Alex Avila on Thursday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Avila’s addition fills out the team’s backstop depth, providing a partner for Yan Gomes behind the plate.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports first reported the deal, which is pending a physical. Avila played last season with the Minnesota Twins, appearing in 23 games. He hit at a .184 clip with two RBIs and 22 strikeouts in his 62 plate appearances.
Avila spent eight seasons with the Detroit Tigers, two with the Arizona Diamondbacks and one each with the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox.