36. Jayson Werth

When the Washington Nationals signed Jayson Werth to a seven-year, $126 million deal in December 2010, it shocked the baseball community. Skeptics saw it as an excessive overpayment for an outfielder past 30, but GM Mike Rizzo understood exactly what he was getting. The Nationals weren't just adding a powerful hitter; they were acquiring attitude, postseason experience, and a key leader. With his mountain-man beard and long hair, Werth quickly became the emotional core of a burgeoning team, turning a young, struggling clubhouse into division champions.

Werth's 2011 campaign in Washington was a tough adjustment period, but his subsequent seasons showcased top-tier professional plate discipline and high-leverage performance. He had an exceptional ability to wear down pitchers, working long counts and using a disciplined eye to maintain elite on-base percentages. In 2013, he delivered a standout season, batting .318 with 25 home runs and a .931 OPS, finishing thirteenth in the NL MVP voting. He continued that success in 2014, hitting .292 with 16 home runs and 37 doubles, placing eighteenth in MVP voting while leading a 96-win division title run.

For many Nationals supporters, Werth's legacy hinges on a single iconic swing. During Game 4 of the 2012 NLDS against the Cardinals, with the team's postseason hopes at stake, he endured a tough 13-pitch at-bat against Lance Lynn. His walk-off solo homer into the Washington bullpen sparked wild celebration at Nationals Park, creating a memorable moment that securely established him as a local legend.

Although age and a series of shoulder and foot injuries gradually reduced his defensive ability and playing time toward the end of his contract, his veteran leadership remained steadfast. When his seven-year contract ended after the 2017 season, he officially retired, leaving a lasting impact on the culture of baseball in the Nation's Capital.

With Washington, Werth amassed 781 hits, 140 doubles, 109 home runs, and 393 RBIs. Despite 423 walks against 650 strikeouts, he posted a .263/.355/433 line with an 113 OPS+.