Nationals Sign Ka’aihue to Minor League Deal

After signing the best starting pitcher remaining on the free agent market in Max Scherzer, the Nationals followed it up by signing first baseman, Kila Ka’aihue to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.  Ka’aihue spent the last one and a half seasons in Japan, playing for the Hiroshima Carp.  In 600 plate appearances with the Carp he batted .259 with a .358 OBP and slugged 25 home runs and 85 RBIs.

In 2013, he spent time with the Reno Aces, the Diamondbacks Triple-A Affiliate, but was released in June after leading the league in home runs. He last appeared in the Majors in 2012 when he played in 39 games for the Oakland Athletics.  With the capability of playing above average defense and solid power potential off the bench, he could be a useful bench player for Washington. Despite owning a career .221 batting average, he has a decent 10.5% walk rate and is a better defender at first base than roster spot competition, Mike Carp.

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With only Carp, Kevin Frandsen, and Tyler Moore with whom to compete, Ka’aihue has an excellent opportunity to earn a roster spot in Spring Training. If he can capitalize on the situation, he’ll find himself backing up Ryan Zimmerman at first base.  With Zimmerman missing all but 61 games with a hamstring injury last season, he could have a chance at significant playing time should injury once again arise.