Update 1/6 13:01: The Nationals made the signing of Matt Capps official.

Update 12/24 12:22: ESPN.com reports that the deal is for $3.5 million for 2010 with a chance to make $425,000 in performance bonuses.  The bonus kicks in at 40-65 games finished.

The deal went down to the end between the Cubs, New York Mets and Nationals.  The Mets were a late entry who offered a similar contract that the Nationals did.

His agent goes on to say, “He’s very confident in his ability.  He knows next year he will go to arbitration and he’s extremely confident that at that point that Washington will want to offer a one-year deal at that time. Matt is very happy with his decision. Although the conversation with the Cubs and Mets made it difficult, he decided this was the best way to go.”

00:20: Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports that right-handed pitcher Matt Capps has agreed to a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals pending a physical.  Monetary figures were not disclosed.  The physical will occur in January.

Up until this evening, Capps was deciding between the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals.  He chose the Nationals because of Washington’s GM MIke Rizzo who showed serious interest the moment Capps became a free agent.

“[I liked the Nationals because of] the way Mr. Rizzo has treated me throughout this whole process,” Capps said. “The Nationals organization has been first class. They expressed their interest from Day One — the moment I was non-tendered. They wanted me to become a Washington National. That means a lot.

You can see Matt Capps statistic here. Other Capps’ rumors can be seen here.