The Washington Nationals are done with their winter shopping as they resigned Adam LaRoche to a two-year deal worth $24 million on Tuesday.
With the move being finalized, the Nationals are set in their infield and have a power bat in the middle of their lineup to backup third baseman and slugger Ryan Zimmerman.
LaRoche had a revival in recent years. He was a sure 25 home run, 80+ RBI hitter with the Atlanta Braves and then with the Pittsburgh Pirates. After he split the 2009 season with the Pirates and Boston Red Sox, LaRoche's career looked done hitting just one homer and driving in three runs while playing for the Sox, but played again with the Braves to complete a season with 25 homers and 83 RBI.
When he settled in the desert as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, LaRoche proved he could still play every day at first base. He smacked 25 homers and drove in 100 RBI.
Last season, after an injury played 2011 campaign, LaRoche hit a career-high 33 homers and drove in 100 RBI once again.
He is certainly a force in the middle of this Nationals lineup filled with talent. As winners of the 2012 N.L. East, there is no doubt that the Nationals are ready to repeat once again, only this time, with hopes of getting further into the playoffs.
They were Top 10 in batting average, homers and hits in 2012. With LaRoche back, they can only get better.
Are the Nationals done with moves?
No, they now have to find a suitor for Michael Morse who is the odd man out in the fields and first base. We will bring you rumored locations later today.
