WASHINGTON (AP) -Free-agent second baseman Adam Kennedy and the Washington Nationals have agreed to a contract pending a physical, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Friday.
The person confirmed the agreement calls for Kennedy to make $1.25 million in 2010. There is also a $2 million club option for 2011.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity, because the contract had not yet been signed.
Kennedy's deal was struck shortly after second baseman Orlando Hudson agreed to a $5 million, one-year contract with the Minnesota Twins.
The 34-year-old Kennedy hit .289 with 11 homers and 63 RBIs for the Oakland Athletics last season, his 11th in the majors.
He provides a defensive upgrade at second base for the Nationals, who have been active this offseason after losing 100 games for the second year in a row. In addition to Kennedy, Washington has brought aboard catcher Ivan Rodriguez, starting pitcher Jason Marquis, closer Matt Capps and relievers Brian Bruney, Tyler Walker and Eddie Guardado.
Kennedy's acquisition probably means Cristian Guzman will stay at shortstop, after there had been some discussion of moving him to second base.
Kennedy has a career .277 batting average, with 68 homers and 486 RBIs while playing for the Cardinals, Angels and Athletics. He might be best known for being the MVP of the 2002 American League championship series with the Angels.
