Former Giants utility man Mark DeRosa has agreed to a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals, according to variety of media reports.
DeRosa, who turns 37 in February, hit 23 homers in 2009 with the Indians and Cardinals and then signed a two-year, 12 million contract with the Giants in 2010. But he played in only 73 combined games the last two seasons in San Francisco, hampered for much of that time by a torn tendon in his left wrist.
He declared for free agency at the end of October.
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According to CSNWashington.com's Mark Zuckerman, the Nationals envision using DeRosa as something of a "super-utility" player, giving him at-bats at first base, second base, third base and both corner outfield positions.
DeRosa is also slated to be one of manager Davey Johnson's top pinch-hitting options off the bench. He owns a career .260 average (32-for-143) with two homers, 19 RBI and a .338 on-base percentage as a pinch-hitter.
A club source told CSNWashington.com that completion of the deal is contingent upon DeRosa passing a physical.
In 14 total big-league seasons with the Braves, Rangers, Cubs, Indians, Cardinals and Giants, DeRosa is a .272 hitter with 93 homers and a .341 on-base percentage.