Washington Nationals: Grading Mike Rizzo’s 10 best free agent signings

Daniel Murphy (2016-present)

Fresh off Murphy’s ballistic display in the 2015 postseason, Washington signed the veteran second baseman to a $37.5 million deal over three years.

Murphy was a very competent player with New York from 2008-15. He was remarkably consistent and generally healthy en route to a 109 OPS+ over seven seasons. His defense was a question mark, but a mid-level deal was about right for Murphy. He seemed like just another guy to deepen an already solid lineup.

But apparently, his home run binge in the 2015 playoffs was no fluke. Murphy has dominated opposing pitchers over the past two seasons. Murphy owns a .956 OPS since 2016, tops among second basemen and sixth in baseball. After failing to crack 15 home runs once in his career, Murphy has piled up 48 dingers with the Nationals.

He finished second in the NL MVP voting in 2016 behind Kris Bryant, and earned All-Star honors and Silver Slugger awards in both seasons. He has become a true superstar.

Murphy is in the final year of his deal now, and underwent microfracture knee surgery this offseason. He was still on crutches at the team’s recent interview session, and his Opening Day status is up in the air. It is entirely possible Murphy will decline in 2018 (he turns 33 in April), but here’s to betting that he will hold down the middle of the lineup once healthy again.

Grade: A