39. Daniel Murphy

Some free-agent signings aim to develop the team for the future, while others serve as powerful accelerants. When the Washington Nationals signed Daniel Murphy to a three-year, $37.5 million deal in December 2015, they expected a seasoned hitter emerging from a remarkable postseason with the New York Mets. Instead, they experienced two and a half seasons of some of the most precise and efficient hitting ever seen in the nation's capital. From his first day in a Nationals uniform, Murphy established himself as a surgical offensive specialist, approaching the batter's box with the finesse of an artist.

Murphy's 2016 debut campaign in Washington was a showcase of exceptional offensive skill. Using a newly optimized, launch-angle-focused strategy that reduced wasted swings, he overwhelmed National League pitchers. He maintained a batting average around .350 well into summer, ultimately finishing with a remarkable .347 to win the National League hits title. That season, he hit a career-best 25 home runs, drove in 104 RBIs, and led the Major Leagues with a .595 slugging percentage and 47 doubles. His clutch hitting and offensive prowess earned him his first Silver Slugger Award and a narrow second place behind Kris Bryant in the NL MVP voting.

Instead of declining after his standout season, Murphy maintained his elite level in 2017. He posted a remarkable .322 batting average, hit 23 home runs, accumulated 43 doubles, and drove in 93 RBIs to defend his Silver Slugger award. He was named an All-Star in consecutive years while playing for the Nationals, acting as a formidable, high-contact hitter in the lineup that compelled pitchers to pitch to Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman.

Eventually, the intense physical strain from his demanding swing took a toll on him. Murphy had microfracture knee surgery after the 2017 postseason, which postponed his 2018 debut and visibly affected his lateral movement. As Washington dropped out of the playoff race and Murphy neared free agency, the front office traded the veteran second baseman to the Chicago Cubs in August 2018.

In two years in D.C., Murphy had 427 hits, 97 doubles, 54 home runs, and 225 RBIs. With 103 walks and 137 strikeouts, he posted a .329/.380/543 line and a 139 OPS+.