The 36-year-old has been attempting to jumpstart a return to MLB action by playing in Mexico this season, but he had told himself that if he didn’t make it back to the big leagues by the end of this season then it might be time. “I went to Mexico and I went to the minors for the first time in 10 years. I really gave myself the best opportunity. And I didn’t get the chance to make it back.” The burly first baseman will now sign a one-day contract with the Cardinals this week as a ceremonial agreement so he can retire with the team that drafted him with a 23rd-round pick in the 2009 MLB Draft. Adams spent a total of seven years with the Cardinals, batting .266 and slugging .449 in 513 games. He will retire with a career 4.9 WAR, .258 average, .769 OPS, 118 home runs, 297 runs scored, and 399 RBI in 856 games over 10 seasons.

The Nationals are hoping that Adams will stick around at Triple-A Rochester. Nothing has been made official yet, but it seems like Michael Chavis will be on Washington's season-opening roster.

Homering for one of his former teams against another one of his former teams. It wouldn't make a ton of sense for the Nationals to carry the 34-year-old Adams, even though he'd be a fun guy to have around. If he makes the team, he'd probably mostly pinch-hit for Victor Robles late in games.

Adams played for the independent Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association in 2022 and batted .248/.327/.554 with 27 home runs and 85 RBI in 80 games. He was with Washington for parts of the 2018 and 2019 seasons and will compete for an Opening Day roster spot in camp next February-March.