WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Free agent outfielder Sammy Sosa Wednesday rejected a contract offer from the Washington Nationals.
The team offered a non-guaranteed major league contract -- $500,000 for one year. The team also made an offer of a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Baseball's fifth-leading all-time home run hitter had been saying before his decision that he was too good a hitter to beg for a contract.
On Washington's Web site, General Manager Jim Bowden told MLB.com that Sosa wanted at least $1 million, but Bowden was not willing to increase the offer.
"We respect Sammy and what he has accomplished in the game," Bowden said. "We wish him well."
Sosa, who went to the disabled list twice in 2005 with Baltimore, is coming off the worst season of his career when he batted .221 with 14 home runs and 45 RBI. For his career, Sosa has an average of .274, 588 home runs and 1,575 RBI.
