Nationals sign Dan Uggla to a minor league deal

Yes, you read the headline correctly. The Washington Nationals have signed second baseman Dan Uggla to a minor league deal with an invitation to major league spring training. This seems like Uggla's last chance to resurrect his once-promising major league career.

It's surprising that Uggla, who will be 35 on Opening Day, even received this opportunity given how poorly he played in 2014. He began the season with the Atlanta Braves and hit .164/.243/.238 through 136 plate appearances. After being released on June 18, Uggla was signed by the Giants, where he had one hit and two walks in 21 plate appearances before San Francisco likewise released him on August 7.

It would be very surprising, given his recent history, if the Nationals were counting on Uggla to produce in 2015. Current second baseman Danny Espinosa is by no means an All-Star, but Uggla is not an upgrade at the position.

The Braves will continue to pay Uggla roughly $18.5 million through the 2015 season.