WASHINGTON -- Matt Adams is returning to a Nationals team he believes is better than the one he was traded from and has the potential to make even more moves this offseason.
Adams finalized a $4 million, one-year deal on Tuesday that includes a $3 million salary for next season and a $4 million mutual option for 2020 with a $1 million buyout. The 30-year-old first baseman is back with Washington after being traded to St. Louis in August for $50,000.
The move by general manager Mike Rizzo fills a void with a left-handed hitter who's expected to split time at first base with Ryan Zimmerman.
"I'm kind of at a loss for words just because I'm excited for this opportunity," Adams said on a conference call. "The team is definitely better than it was last year with the acquisitions that Rizz has made so far this offseason, and I don't think that we're done yet, either. It's an exciting time for fans and we're excited to get things rolling in 2019."
Rizzo bolstered the starting rotation by signing left-hander Patrick Corbin to a $140 million, six-year contract and shored up a weakness at catcher by signing Kurt Suzuki and acquiring Yan Gomes from Cleveland. Rizzo has said he has not ruled out bringing back star outfielder Bryce Harper.
"If the opportunity is there for him to come back and he comes back, I think it's going to be amazing," Adams said. "I think everybody on that team would love to Bryce back in right field (because of) what he brings to the table and just how he goes out there and plays the game. He's passionate."
While Harper is one of the top available free agents, Adams is the type of role player the Nationals were looking for. A career .266 hitter, he had 21 home runs and 57 RBI last season with the Nationals and Cardinals.
Adams might not have known a year ago how much playing time he'd get at first base. This time he's comfortable with the uncertainty.
"It's just coming up with mindset of just being ready when your name's called, whether it's on an everyday basis or sporadic here or there, pinch-hitting off the bench and then filling in and giving Zim a blow when he needs it," Adams said. "Wherever the season takes me playing time wise, I'm just excited to be on a winning club and a good chance to go back to the postseason."