Get ready for a debate: Who truly tops the list of the Washington Nationals' best-ever offseason signings? If you think you know, think again—because not every giant contract turned out legendary, and some quiet deals created huge moments you won't want to forget. But here's where it gets controversial... Did the front office get it right, or did they miss opportunities for greatness?
Let’s stroll through the most impactful free agent pickups at every offensive position for the Nationals—a team that once splashed cash for superstars before shifting toward more reserved spending. Not every signing brought headline-grabbing stats, but each helped define the franchise at a crucial time.
Catcher: Kurt Suzuki (2019-2020)
Kurt Suzuki may not sit atop the club’s catching lore, but he embodied reliability during his DC stint. After inking a two-year, $10 million deal ahead of the 2019 season, he shared the workload with Yan Gomes, who joined via trade that same winter. Catching in 85 regular-season games in 2019, Suzuki achieved a healthy 105 wRC+ and added 0.5 fWAR to the team’s tally. Yet, his biggest claim to fame came not just through statistics but through clutch heroics: remember his towering 3-run homer against Edwin Diaz, which capped off an exhilarating seven-run ninth-inning rally, or his pivotal World Series blast in Game 2? While Suzuki didn’t rack up major awards or hold the starting role exclusively, his leadership lifted the squad—so much so that he now manages the Angels. And this is the part most people miss: Sometimes, the quiet contributors leave the strongest legacy.
First Base: Adam Dunn
First base has featured consistent quality more than superstar flashes for the Nationals, and Adam Dunn’s arrival via free agency marks a unique chapter. After hitting at least 40 home runs for five straight years, Dunn surprisingly signed with the Nationals despite their 103-loss season. While the team struggled, Dunn’s bat provided a rare spark—76 home runs and 4 fWAR in just two seasons. Importantly, his move to first base full-time in 2010 cleansed the memory of a defensive disaster in left field the previous year. Even without hardware or postseason glory, Dunn’s tenure was memorable for the energy he brought when hope was in short supply. Sometimes, the greatest signings aren’t crowned—they just bring needed excitement.
Second Base: Daniel Murphy
No contest here—Daniel Murphy stands as not only the top second base acquisition but one of the biggest signings bargains in team history. After a red-hot playoff showing with the Mets in 2015, he joined DC’s rivals for three years and $37.5 million—a move that didn’t sit well in New York. Murphy had a reputation for solid play, but in 2016, he exploded with a 154 wRC+, 4.7 fWAR, and a runner-up finish in NL MVP voting, turning organizational culture on its head. Murphy’s quirky personality, spotlighted by his “fwah” home run ritual, made him a fan favorite. Even as his numbers tapered off, he continued to produce at a high level, and many Nationals fans lamented his absence during the 2019 championship run. How different would history look if he’d stayed longer?
Third Base: Jeimer Candelario
The third base spot often went to homegrown talent, but Jeimer Candelario’s one-year, $5 million contract ahead of the 2023 season stands out. After a rough 2022, he joined Washington as a bounce-back project—and delivered: 118 wRC+ and 3.2 fWAR in 99 games before being traded to the Cubs for promising pitcher DJ Herz. But here’s a twist—after signing with the Reds, Candelario struggled mightily, turning his Nationals resurgence into an even more curious anomaly. He gave Washington valuable production and brought in another future piece via trade, showing that even brief signings can have ripple effects for years.
Shortstop: Cristian Guzman
Shortstop isn’t an easy call with most stars acquired elsewhere—but Cristian Guzman’s consistent presence gives him the nod. Guzman signed a four-year, $16.8 million deal in the team’s inaugural year. While his start in DC, including an abysmal 2005 and a missed 2006 season due to injury, was rocky, his remarkable turnaround after recovery saw him hit 123 wRC+ in 46 games and continue strong in 2008. A subsequent extension followed, yet as his production declined, he was eventually traded for Tanner Roark. And this might spark debate: Should sustainability or standout moments win out when rating signings?
Left Field: Jayson Werth
Jayson Werth’s seven-year, $126 million commitment was widely ridiculed—until he rewrote Nationals history. Over 808 games, two Top-20 MVP finishes, and unforgettable postseason heroics—including a walk-off playoff homer—Werth became both an on-field force and the team’s heart. His leadership redefined Nationals baseball, especially from 2012–2014, when he posted 11.1 fWAR and anchored the lineup. While injuries slowed him in later years, Werth had already reshaped expectations, making the signing a turning point for the franchise’s culture.
Center Field: Rick Ankiel
Center field proved tough since few Nationals starters came via free agency. Rick Ankiel, who signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal before 2011, wins out almost by default. His offense was modest (82 wRC+), but his defense shined, giving him 1.2 fWAR in 122 games. Eventually, his role diminished as Bryce Harper emerged, but Ankiel’s steady play provided depth in lean years. Is it a win if scarcity decides the best signing—tell us in the comments!
Right Field: Gerardo Parra
With right field light on free agent standouts, Gerardo Parra claims the spotlight thanks to his infectious personality and contributions during the magical 2019 run. Signed in May 2019, Parra came through immediately with a grand slam and became a clubhouse icon for his “Baby Shark” celebration. In 89 games that year, he posted an 89 wRC+ and 0.3 fWAR, but his influence went far beyond numbers, energizing the Nationals as they marched to a title. Would you value chemistry over stats in your own rankings?
Designated Hitter: Jesse Winker
The DH spot was hotly contested between Jesse Winker and Josh Bell, but Winker edges out thanks to low expectations and strong performance after a failed 2023 with Milwaukee. Arriving in 2024 as a bounce-back candidate, Winker posted a robust 125 wRC+ and 1.4 fWAR in 101 games, then netted DC righty Tyler Stuart in a trade. Winker’s arrival proves that sometimes, quietly savvy deals pay off handsomely.
Final Question: Which Nationals signing do you think deserves more recognition, and do flashy contracts really build lasting legacies—or do underrated deals and unsung heroes drive the franchise’s most important moments? Speak your mind below and let the debate begin!
