Perhaps a sign that 2021 could be a better year after all, the Washington Nationals are bringing back fan favorite Gerardo Parra, who inspired the Baby Shark sensation that swept through Nats Park along their 2019 World Series run.
The 33-year-old outfielder spent 2020 in Japan playing for the Yomiuri Giants, where he hit .272 with four doubles, four home runs and 14 RBI across 55 games.
On Wednesday, Parra agreed to a minor-league deal with the Nationals which comes with a non-roster invite to spring training, as first reported by Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post.
Parra will earn a $1 million salary if he makes the Major League roster, according to Jon Heyman.
Parra joined the Nationals in May 2019 of their championship season, days after being designated for assignment by the San Francisco Giants, and proved a vital contributor off the bench and in the clubhouse, where his teammates and manager Dave Martinez credit him with lightening the mood amidst a tense 15-22 start to their season.
Parra hit .250 with a triple, 11 doubles, eight homers and 42 RBI for the Nats in 2019. He will be 34 in May.
