Newz Forum: BASEBALL: Wilkerson inks deal with Nationals

The Washington Nationals avoided salary arbitration with Brad Wilkerson, signing the versatile player to a one-year, $3.05 million deal on Thursday.

Wilkerson, a switch-hitter that can play all three outfield positions and first base, hit .255 with 32 homers and 67 RBI last season. He also scored 112 runs and stole 13 bases.

"We are very pleased that we were able to come to an agreement with Brad without going through the arbitration process," interim general manager Jim Bowden said. "Brad is an important part of this franchise and one of the future leaders of this Washington Nationals franchise."

Wilkerson, 27, can also be used effectively in a number of positions in the lineup. He hit leadoff a majority of the time last season, registering a .382 on-base percentage and hit a major league-leading nine first-inning homers. He was voted the 2004 MVP of the Expos.

The Nationals have three players -- pitchers Tony Armas Jr. and Tomo Ohka as well as first baseman Nick Johnson -- who are eligible for arbitration.

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