Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

The Washington Nationals are taking steps to reclaim the National League East in 2019, adding Anibal Sanchez to boost their pitching staff.

Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press first reported the agreement between Sanchez and Washington.

Fenech added Sanchez will receive $19 million over two years from the Nationals.

Per Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports, Sanchez's deal includes an option for a third year that could push the total value up to $33 million, including $4 million in incentives.

As Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports pointed out, Sanchez is joining the Nationals after posting a 1.50 ERA in 18 innings against them last season.

Sanchez had an unusual path to success in 2018. He agreed to a deal with the Minnesota Twins in February but was released the following month and signed with the Atlanta Braves.

Despite a six-week stint on the disabled list from April 18 through May 29, Sanchez posted a 2.83 ERA with 135 strikeouts and a career-low 1.08 WHIP in 136.2 innings for the Braves.

Sanchez joins a Washington starting rotation that includes recently signed Patrick Corbin, three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer and three-time All-Star Stephen Strasburg.