Adam LaRoche (2011-14)
Rizzo brought in smooth lefty LaRoche prior to the 2011 season on a two-year, $15 million contract.
After an injury-plagued season in his first year, LaRoche bounced back with a .271/.343/.510 slash line and career highs in home runs (33) and RBIs (100) as the Nationals made their first-ever postseason. LaRoche finished sixth in 2012 MVP voting and collected Gold Glove and Silver Slugger honors.
After his monster year, Rizzo rewarded LaRoche with another two-year contract, this time worth $24 million. While he never reached his 2012 heights again, he still posted exceedingly solid numbers.
From 2012-14, LaRoche finished in the top 10 in games played, home runs, RBIs, runs, walk rate, and defensive runs saved among all qualified first baseman. That is excellent value for just $39 million across four seasons.
By comparison, LaRoche’s 112 OPS+ with Washington was one point higher than Eric Hosmer’s career mark in Kansas City, and Hosmer is currently looking for $150 million on the free agent market.
Grade: B+