Nationals, Lind decline mutual option

The Nationals and Adam Lind have agreed to part ways this offseason. The club announced this afternoon that Lind's mutual option has been declined, granting him free agency immediately. The option, worth $5 million for 2018, had to be agreed on by both Lind and the Nationals; as of now, it is unknown which party turned down the deal.

While an extended stay with Washington didn't seem impossible for the 12-year veteran, first baseman Ryan Zimmerman's offensive resurgence severely limited Lind's playing time. Used primarily in a platoon role as a lefty bat, Lind started just 61 games (60 starts against right-handed starters).

Lind, 34, signed with Washington last offseason on a 1-year, $1.5 million deal. The lefty vastly outplayed his contract during the season, slashing .303/.362/.513 across 301 plate appearances, good for a 123 OPS+. While Lind's big league career may be nearing the end of the road, the lefty should attract some attention this offseason from teams looking to compete in the short-term.

In related Nationals news, the club named former-Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez as their new manager earlier this week.