Orioles sign David Washington to minor league deal

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

November 21, 2016, 12:25pm

Comments

The Orioles added a power bat to their farm system this afternoon. A big guy who hits a lot of home runs, can get on base and also is prone to striking out.

David Washington, 26, agreed to a minor league deal and will be assigned to Triple-A Norfolk after spending eight seasons in the Cardinals organization.

Washington was a 15th-round pick in 2009 out of University City High School in San Diego. He's a career .250/.335/.456 hitter who reached the Triple-A level for the first time this summer.

Orioles bags.jpg The Cardinals promoted Washington from Double-A Springfield to Memphis on May 5 and he registered a .255/.349/.528 slash line with 25 home and 62 RBIs in 345 at-bats with the Redbirds. He added five home runs at Memphis.

Washington struck out 142 times with Memphis and 27 at Springfield, where he appeared in 22 games. He elected free agency earlier this month.

Washington is listed as a first baseman and corner outfielder. He's also listed at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds. He won't be hard to find.

With Trey Mancini expected to break camp with the Orioles next spring, Washington could be the replacement at first base. Christian Walker moved to left field this season.