Matt Sosnick, Josh Willingham’s agent, said Willingham is trying to avoid going to free agency next year, and he expects to sign a multi year contract with the Nationals this off season according to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post.

Apparently no negotiations are taking place right now between the team and Willingham, but he would accept a one-year deal if that’s what the team in looking for.

Willingham had surgery on his left knee in August to repair the meniscus in his left knee. He’s expected to be ready for Spring Training 2011. Willingham is arbitration eligible-after for the final time this winter. He could avoid the hassles of arbitration by signing a long-term deal. Teams tend to sign players to long-terms with the hopes to keep them on the team for an extended period for lower than market-rate. In exchange, players will agree to the long-term deal for the security of a guaranteed contract.