It has been reported by ESPN’s Buster Olney that the Washington Nationals have agreed to a trade that would send outfielder Josh Willingham to the Oakland Athletics for two young players, one of which has some major league experience.
The two players are currently unidentified, but a source in Oakland had confirmed earlier today that there were serious talks surrounding the Athletics’ interest in Willingham. Prior to the winter meetings, there were multiple sources claiming that Willingham would indeed be traded before the 2011 season and apparently those sources were accurate.
Josh had high hopes of signing a multi-year contract extension with the Nationals, but now he must move on to another city. The Oakland A’s weren’t the only organization interested in Willingham. It has been reported that three or four teams have also showed some type of interest in the 31-year-old outfielder during the winter meetings.
The complete terms of this deal are currently disclosed, pending the physicals of all three players involved. There is only one year left on Willingham’s current contract, and a re-negotiation has yet to be discussed. If a new contract is not agreed to, then Willingham can become a free agent after the 2011 season.
Last season with the Washington Nationals, Willingham played in 114 games, hitting .268 with 16 home runs, 56 RBI’s, and eight stolen bases in 370 at-bats. He missed the final month and a half of play due to a knee injury.
Oakland adds some more fire power to their lineup after acquiring designated hitter Hideki Matsui earlier this week.
An announcement regarding the complete details of this trade may be made as early as Thursday night.
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