Taveras signs with Nationals

Willy Taveras has signed a minor-league contract with the Washington Nationals, SI.com has confirmed. According to the AP, the deal is worth $400,000.

Oakland, which had acquired Taveras in a trade from the Reds earlier this offseason before releasing him last week, is responsible for the remainder of his $4 million salary. The Nationals will pay the prorated portion of the major league minimum while he's in the major leagues for them.

Taveras hit .240 with 25 stolen bases for the Reds in 2009. He led the major leagues with 68 steals for the Rockies in 2008.