Washington Nationals News: Former Detroit Tigers Infielder Josh Harrison Lands With The Washington Nationals

After the Philadelphia Phillies released 2B Josh Harrison on July 21st, it didn't take long for Nationals GM Mike Rizzo to sign Harrison according to toJon Heyman of MLB. The deal will become official once Harrison passes a physical.

Multiple teams were reportedly interested in signing Harrison; they included the Braves, Reds, Yankees, and the Rangers despite not having a horrible injury-plagued 2019 season with the Detroit Tigers. Last year, Harrison managed a line of .175/.218/.263 (22 wRC+) in 147 plate appearances last year, leading the Tigers to release him in August despite handing him a guaranteed $2MM before the season. Harrison had to deal with shoulder and hamstring problems and hasn’t played in a major league game since May 27.

Why not? With this, anything goes shortened season, the Harrison signing gives Davey Martinez an extra infielder that can play, 1B, 2B, and even 3B and at best would likely be a bench option.

Harrison was an All-star for the Pittsburg Pirates two years: 2014 and 2017 and in 2014 was ranked 2nd in batting average with a .315. Last year in Detroit, Harrison was the DH, so he also brings experience to the DH spot.

In the field, Harrison has played the majority of the time at 2nd base with a total of 431 games and committed only 26 errors.

The Chicago Cubs drafted Harrison in the 6th round of the 2008 amateur draft. Harrison has played with the Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies at age 32 he brings another Veteran presence to the Washington Nationals bench.