Adam LaRoche and the Nationals made things official this afternoon, as Washington announced a two-year contract with the veteran first baseman.
He’ll get $7 million in 2011 and $8 million in 2012, and the deal also includes a $10 million mutual option or $1 million buyout for 2012. In other words, he’s guaranteed $16 million for two seasons.
Washington has made upgrading the defense a priority this offseason and going from Adam Dunn to LaRoche at first base will definitely help the team’s run prevention in a big way, but the downgrade offensively is likely even bigger.
During the past three seasons LaRoche has hit .269 with 75 homers and an .823 OPS, while Dunn has hit .255 with 116 homers and a .906 OPS. Of course, the price tags are also much different, as Dunn signed a four-year, $56 million contract with the White Sox.
