Chien-Ming Wang

Nationals signed RHP Chien-Ming Wang to a one-year, $4 million contract.

The deal also carries some performance-based incentives. Wang, 31, registered a rock-solid 4.04 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 11 starts this season after returning from a drawn-out shoulder injury. If he can stay healthy throughout 2012, he should be a reliable mid-rotation starter for the up-and-coming Nationals.

According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman, the Nationals and Chien-Ming Wang have agreed to a one-year deal.

The details of the contract still need to be finalized, but that should be done by Thursday. Wang, 31, posted a cool 4.04 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 11 starts this season while registering a 53.4 groundball percentage. If he can keep his sinker working and maintain his health in 2012, he should be a fine No. 3 starter for the Nationals.

Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports that the Nationals are “close to an agreement” with Chien-Ming Wang.

Just a few hours ago it was reported that Wang would test the free agent market because interest in him was so high. That talk may have led the Nats to up their offer. Wang, 31, registered a 4.04 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 11 starts this season and should remain a solid mid-rotation starter in 2012. No word yet on the financials.

Chien Ming-Wang will likely hit the open market.

The Nationals were hoping to sign Wang to extension during this week’s exclusive negotiating period, but little progress has been made and the deadline is Thursday. Wang, 31, posted a 4.04 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 11 starts this season and should have multiple suitors in free agency.