Nationals sign Brendan Ryan to minor-league deal

The Nationals have added infielder Brendan Ryan on a minor-league deal, according to a team announcement. Ryan will earn $1 million next season as part of his previous contract, as he exercised his player option at the end of the season.

Ryan's deal likely includes an opt-out date at the end of spring training that will allow him to pursue other opportunities if he does not make the Nationals' team.

Ryan heads to his third organization of the offseason after being traded from the Yankees to the Cubs during the Winter Meetings and subsequently released by Chicago. He will serve as depth in a crowded Nationals' infield mix behind Danny Espinosa, Trea Turner and fellow new additions Daniel Murphy and Stephen Drew.

Ryan hit just .229/.275/.333 in 47 games for the Yankees last year, and is considered a defense-first infielder who can play all four positions. He is a veteran of nine major-league seasons with the Cardinals (2007-10), Mariners (2011-13) and Yankees (2013-15).