The Nationals are signing utility man Chad Pinder to a minor league deal, reports Robert Murray of FanSided.
Pinder, who turns 31 on Wednesday, had been in camp with the Reds on a minor league deal until recently. However, as an Article XX(B) free agent, he had the ability to opt-out of that deal this past weekend and return to free agency. But the Reds released him on Friday, allowing him to get an early start on that return to the open market, which has already resulted in a new deal.
Up until these minor league deals, Pinder had spent his entire career with the Athletics, serving as a super utility player. For his career, he’s hit .242/.294/.417 for a wRC+ of 96, indicating he’s been just a bit below league average in that time. But he paired that tepid offense with the ability to help the A’s out all over the diamond, playing every position except catcher.
Given that flexibility, it’s understandable that rebuilding clubs like the Reds and Nationals would be interested in him. Both clubs have many positions on their respective rosters where they are trying out unproven younger players to see who will be a part of the next competitive club, or perhaps become a trade chip. Pinder can give the Nats a bit of cover all over the diamond should any player struggle, get injured or get traded.
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