Report: Starlin Castro, Nationals Agree to Contract amid Josh Donaldson Rumors

Free-agent infielder Starlin Castro has agreed to a contract with the Washington Nationals, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The deal is pending a physical and reportedly does not take the Nationals out of the running to sign third baseman Josh Donaldson. According to Rosenthal, Castro will play second base in Washington as the team begins its World Series defense in 2020. Joel Sherman added the deal is expected to be for two years.

A four-time All-Star, Castro now joins his fourth team after previous stints with the Chicago Cubs, Miami Marlins and New York Yankees.

Castro will earn $12 million on the deal, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. 

The 10-year veteran, who turns 30 in March, became a free agent after the Marlins declined to pick up his option for 2020. In 2019, Castro slashed .270/.300/.436 with a career-high 22 home runs and 86 RBI. 

Castro will replace Brian Dozier in the Nationals lineup with the team letting its second baseman walk in free agency. Production-wise, there shouldn't be too much of a drop as Dozier slashed .238/.340.430 in 135 games with the Nats. 

It's been a productive offseason so far in Washington after the team handed out a $245 million deal to pitcher Stephen Strasburg before adding Will Harris on a $24 million deal to solidify its bullpen. They also brought back World Series hero Howie Kendrick on a $6.25 million contract as well. 

However, after losing third baseman Anthony Rendon to the Angels, the glaring question has been who can replace him. With the team willing to spend the type of money it has this season, the Nationals have been squarely in the conversation to sign Donaldson.

Right now, he counts as the missing piece for a Nationals team that feels set up for sustained success. 

In the meantime, Castro gives Washington a solid bit of depth in the infield with prospects Carter Kieboom and Luis Garcia closing in on becoming everyday contributors in the big leagues.