The Nationals claimed Cheng off waivers from the Mets on Wednesday.
It's the fourth organization that Cheng has been in this offseason. Cheng batted only .209/.307/.271 at Triple-A Indianapolis in the Pirates organization last season and went hitless in seven plate appearances with the big club. The 24-year-old will compete for a reserve role with the Nationals but does have minor-league options remaining.