The Nationals agreed to sign Alex Cora to a minor league deal worth $900K plus $600K in incentives, according to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post (on Twitter). MLB.com's Bill Ladson first reported that the Nats were in serious talks with the Scott Boras client.
Cora played all four infield positions in 2010, though most of his big league experience has come at second and short. The 35-year-old hit .210/.266/.278 with the Mets and Rangers last year, before Texas released him in September.
The Mets finalized a deal with former Nationals utility player Willie Harris today, so the NL East rivals are swapping utility players in a way. Harris was a member of the Nationals from 2008-10 and Cora suited up for the Mets from 2009-10.
As Kilgore points out (on Twitter), at least nine Boras clients are in the Nationals organization. Cora joins Ivan Rodriguez, Rick Ankiel, Danny Espinosa, Jesus Flores, Alberto Gonzalez, Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth.
Man, the least Boras could’ve done was throw Cora in as a freebie with the Werth deal.
Minor league deal is ok, maybe just for veteran leadership for the young infield. Good clubhouse presence. I think this move has more to do with Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa than Alex Cora. But he will be a good mentor for the young infield.
Its good for future free agents that we have a good relationship with Boras.
It’s not hard to have a good relationship with Boras. Overpay for his clients, and you’re his best friend.
I’d rather have Harris then Cora, they will most likely put up the same offensive numbers but Cora’s range and arm seem to fade more and more each year and Harris has the advantage with speed and age.
Its good for Boras that you have a good reputation with Boras.
jeez. they need to be called the Washington Boras now.
Nationals will make noise this year.
The Nationals made one big deal with Boras, just Werth, its not like we have signed huge deals with the other players. And I think the Lerners who are the richest owners in baseball are just fine after the Werth deal. I dont think they are standing on the corner with a plastic cup asking for change. And I just say its good to be on good terms with Boras unlike the Angels, and look who the Angels got this year.
Strasburg and Harper aren’t “big deals” with Boras?
900k for a minor league deal?