The Washington Nationals were looking to be headed to arbitration with three players: Michael Morse, Doug Slaten and newcomer Tom Gorzelanny. Now, that list is down to just Gorzelanny after the Nationals agreed to one-year contracts with both Morse and Slaten.
Morse will receive $1.05 million next season, with another $300,000 if he meets performance incentives that have to do with plate appearances. Slaten, meanwhile, will receive $695,000 in base salary, with the chance to earn an additional $17,500 in performance incentives.
Morse broke out last year as a part-time starter, hitting .289 with 15 home runs in 289 plate appearances, and projects to be a similar kind of player this season. Slaten was a key left-handed reliever for the team last year, with a 3.10 ERA in 49 appearances out of the bullpen. He, too, will be counted on in a similar fashion this season.