Davey Johnson has pumped up Adam LaRoche for MVP consideration, but just how long he remains with the Nationals remains to be seen.
LaRoche has been Washington's most consistent player. He ranks fourth in the National League in home runs with 29 and sixth with 92 RBI, and his .849 OPS leads the team, which is in first place comfortably.
"It's rewarding to me that I was a part of what our record is right now," LaRoche said. "I was able to help out. I keep going back to last year. To sign a two-year deal somewhere, and you're not able to do anything your first year with a new team, it's kind of frustrating. To bounce back and to not only be healthy and playing, but to be a big part of it and hear stuff like that, whether its from your manager or your teammates or guys that recognize what's going on, it's always good to hear it."
LaRoche is in the second season of a two-year, $16 million contract that contains a mutual option for 2013 worth $10 million.
"I would love to stay," he said. "I'm kind of getting tired of bouncing around. My kids enjoy it here. It might be nice to stay for a few more years. I have no idea what their long-term plans are. But I'd like to stick around."