Nationals agree to deal with Alex Cora

The Nationals have signed Alex Cora to a minor league deal, an industry source has confirmed. The news was first reported by Peter Gammons of MLB Network.

Adding Cora could give the Nationals the backup infielder they were searching for after parting ways with Willie Harris following last season. The team was looking for another option that could play second base in case Danny Espinosa struggles in his rookie season.

Cora turned 35 in October, and there seems little doubt his best days are behind him. He hit .210/.266/.278 last season in 82 games with the Mets and Rangers, and hasn't posted an OPS above .700 since 2008 with the Red Sox. Still, he gives the Nationals a versatile infielder, and another player who has won a World Series ring - that's been a consistent theme behind Mike Rizzo's additions the last two years.

And of course, Cora's deal with the Nationals adds another Scott Boras client to their fold, including the third one they've signed this offseason. They have him, Espinosa, Ivan Rodriguez, Rick Ankiel, Alberto Gonzalez, Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, Jesus Flores and Jayson Werth. Cora, Ankiel and Werth have joined the team this offseason.



(masnsports.com)