Josh Willingham hopes to sign a multiyear deal with the Nationals, agent Matt Sosnick told Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post (Twitter link). Sosnick and the Nats agreed on a $4.6MM salary for 2010 back in January; this marks the second of three arbitration years for Willingham. He's under team control through the 2011 season.
Willingham, 31, has a career line of .266/.364/.481 in 2,181 plate appearances. He's been consistent, as he's had a similar line in each of his four full seasons. UZR suggests his left field defense has been slightly below-average. FanGraphs' Dave Cameron made a case that Willingham is a very similar player to Jason Bay, aside from their health records.
Will the Nationals commit to Willingham? Back in January GM Mike Rizzo admitted he had been close on a couple of deals, presumably for young starters, but added, "we're in no hurry to trade Willingham."
