Olsen's deal incentive-heavy

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Left-handed pitcher Scott Olsen, who became a free agent when he was non-tendered by the Nationals on Saturday, has agreed to terms with Washington on a one-year contract for a base salary of $1 million.

Olsen

The contract includes incentives that could increase Olsen's salary to almost $4 million if he makes 33 starts for the Nationals.

Olsen, 25, posted a 32-37 record in parts of four seasons with Florida before coming to Washington with Josh Willingham in a five-player trade in November 2008. He posted a 2-4 record with a 6.03 ERA last year before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in July.

Olsen is well along in his rehabilitation, and the Nationals expect him to compete for a starting job in spring training.

Jerry Crasnick covers baseball for ESPN Insider.

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Jerry Crasnick | email

ESPN.com MLB Sr. Writer

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• ESPN.com senior writer
• Author of "License to Deal"
• Former Denver Post national baseball writer