Donald Trump embraced Washington Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki in an awkward hug as the president hosted the World Series-winning team at the White House.

The president was praising Suzuki's "amazing three-run homer" in a speech when he broke off and said: "Where's Kurt? Where's Kurt? Come here. Come here. Say a couple of words, come on."

As he stepped forward Suzuki put on a red MAGA hat to Mr Trump's obvious delight.

The president threw his hands up in surprise and grabbed Suzuki's shoulders from behind. He then moved his hands down to the 36-year-old's chest, gave him a hug and shouted: "I love him! That's so nice."

Suzuki said: "I love you all. I love you all. Thank you."

10 biggest sports contracts on the planet Show all 11 1 /11 10 biggest sports contracts on the planet 10 biggest sports contracts on the planet The 10 biggest sports contracts on the planet Who is the highest-paid sportsperson on the planet? Let's take a look Getty Images 10 biggest sports contracts on the planet 10. Miguel Cabrera Miguel Cabrera signed a contract extension with the Tigers in 2016 worth $247 million for eight years. USA TODAY Sports 10 biggest sports contracts on the planet 9. Alex Rodriguez In 2001, Alex Rodriguez signed a 10-year, $252 million contract with the Rangers. Getty 10 biggest sports contracts on the planet 8. Alex Rodriguez In 2007, the two-time AL MVP signed a 10-year $275 million contract with the Yankees. REUTERS 10 biggest sports contracts on the planet 7. Manny Machado Manny Machado recently signed a 10-year, $300 million deal with the San Diego Padres USA TODAY Sports 10 biggest sports contracts on the planet 6. Gerrit Cole Gerrit Cole capitalised on his status as the most in-demand free agent pitcher of the 2019 off season by penning a nine-year deal with the New York Yankees worth $324 million - though there is an opt-out after five years. Getty Images 10 biggest sports contracts on the planet 5. Giancarlo Stanton In 2014, Giancarlo Stanton signed a contract extension with the Marlins for 13 years and $325 million. Getty Images 10 biggest sports contracts on the planet 4. Bryce Harper Bryce Harper has signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. AP 10 biggest sports contracts on the planet 3. Canelo Alvarez In 2018, Canelo Alvarez signed an 11-fight, $365 million contract with DAZN. AP 10 biggest sports contracts on the planet 2. Mike Trout Mike Trout penned a 12-year, $430m deal with the Los Angeles Angels in March 2019 AP 10 biggest sports contracts on the planet 1. Patrick Mahomes Patrick Mahomes signed a record-breaking 10-year, $450m contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020. Getty Images

He shook hands with the president and stepped away. Mr Trump said: "What a job he did! I didn't know that was going to happen."

The unusual embrace quickly drew online comparisons to the way Leonardo DiCaprio holds Kate Winslet on the prow of the ship in the film Titanic.

Introducing Max Scherzer, a pitcher, Mr Trump joked: "I asked the first lady, do you think I can throw a ball as fast as him? She said, yes darling, absolutely. I don't think so."

The Nationals won the World Series for the first time ever following a sensational seven-game showdown against the Houston Astros.

Several thousand people - about 5,300 by the White House's official count - gathered on the South Lawn of the White House to see the team, prompting the president to say: "This is a record. We’ve never had this many people on the front lawn of the White House, so congratulations."

However, according to the Associated Press, some 13,500 gathered on the South Lawn in 2008 to greet then Pope Benedict XVI.

At least one Nationals player, Sean Doolittle, chose not to attend the event.

Independent Minds Events: get involved in the news agenda

He justified his decision by saying: "There's a lot of things, policies that I disagree with, but at the end of the day, it has more to do with the divisive rhetoric and the enabling of conspiracy theories and widening the divide in this country.

"My wife and I stand for inclusion and acceptance, and we've done work with refugees, people that come from, you know, the 's***hole countries."