Former Phillies player Maikel Franco signs Minor League deal with the Washington Nationals

There’s been a boatload of former Phillies players that have found new homes this offseason. Former Phillies 3rd baseman Maikel Franco has reportedly signed a minor-league contract with the Washington Nationals, making his return to the National League East.

Sources: The Nationals have signed veteran third baseman Maikel Franco to a minor league contract. Comes a day after they agreed to terms with Dee Strange-Gordon on a minors deal, making use of what they can do during the lockout.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) December 12, 2021

Although the MLB is still locked out and major league contracts can not be talked about, negotiated, or signed, minor league negations are still allowed. The Phillies made some minor league signings recently as well, inking two international players, and landing one relief pitcher in the Rule 5 draft.

Maikel Franco spent six seasons in the Phillies organization, racking up over 600 games played, and 2500+ plate appearances. He hit .249/.302/.431 in Philly, with 102 HRs, 110 doubles, and 583 hits. His best season in Philadelphia was in 2016, where he played 152 games and hit .255/.306/.427 with 25 HRs, 88 RBIs, and 23 doubles.

Maikel Franco’s latest MLB stint was with the Baltimore Orioles in 2021, where he played 104 games, including 99 at third base. He hit .210/.253/.355 with Baltimore, slashing 11 HRs and 47 RBIs. Franco will start spring training in the minors for the Nationals, looking to build his way up to the majors as a potential backup third basemen, or even a designated hitter if implemented to the National League in 2022.

Freddy Galvis has a 2-year agreement with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. Done deal.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 13, 2021

Former Phillies are flying all around the MLB, and you can read all about them and their new teams here. Maikel Franco is the latest Phillies player to find a new home, signing a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals on Sunday. It is also confirmed that Freddy Galvis has signed with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks on a two-year deal, after returning to Philadelphia last season at the trade deadline.

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