Major League Baseball

Sources: Nationals close to deal with Marquis

Published Dec. 22, 2009 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Right-handed starter Jason Marquis is close to signing a two-year contract with the Nationals, two major league sources confirmed Monday afternoon.

The deal will become official once Marquis completes a physical examination today or Tuesday, one source said. The Nationals have called a news conference for Tuesday afternoon, at which they are expected to announce Marquis' signing.

Marquis went 15-13 with a 4.04 ERA in 33 starts for the Rockies this year.

A bullpen upgrade could be next for the Nationals. They are among the teams still in pursuit of free agent reliever Matt Capps, who is expected to decide on a new team by the end of this week.

News of the Marquis deal was first reported by the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.