6:00pm: It’s a one-year, $1.375MM deal for Nava, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (on Twitter).
5:32pm: The Angels announced that they have signed outfielder Daniel Nava to a one-year, major league deal. Nava, 32, was a free agent for the first time in his career this winter.
Nava, 33 in February, suffered through the worst season of his career but has been a regular or semi-regular contributor in each season dating back to 2010 (primarily with Boston). The switch-hitter batted only .194/.315/.245 in 166 plate appearances between the Red Sox and Rays this year but is a career .265/.358/.383 hitter overall and sports an even more impressive .281/.377/.409 batting line against right-handed pitching. Nava was projected to earn $1.9MM through arbitration in 2016 but the Rays designated him for assignment, prompting the veteran to elect free agency.
Nava’s track record against righties and history of above-average defense in the outfield corners led to interest from multiple teams this offseason. Nava could form a platoon in left field with the newly-signed Craig Gentry but it’s not immediately clear if that’s the plan. Gentry inked a one-year deal with the Halos that could be worth up to $1MM. Gentry is a career .274/.354/.366 hitter against lefties with a less impressive .256/.321/.311 line vs. righties.
The Rays wanted to bring Nava back on a minor league deal but they were rebuffed as he searched for a better opportunity. The Padres were also believed to have interest in Nava.