The Rays officially announced the signing of free-agent catcher Wilson Ramos to a two-year $12.5 million contract on Monday.
The deal includes additional playing-time incentives worth $5.75 million.
Tampa Bay designated catcher Justin O'Connor to make room for Ramos on the 40-man roster.
Ramos, 29, hit .307/.354/.496 with 22 home runs and 80 RBIs in 131 games for the Nationals in 2016 and was named to the National League All-Star team on his way to winning a Silver Slugger Award. He suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in September and isn't expected to return until midseason next year.