Nationals sign slugger Adam Dunn

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The Washington Nationals Wednesday inked slugger Adam Dunn to a two-year, $20 million contract, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history.

Dunn, 29, began his major league career in 1998, when he was a second-round pick by Cincinnati, and current Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden held the same post with the Reds.

He was traded to Arizona from Cincinnati last August, but could not help the Diamondbacks qualify for an National League playoff spot.

With the Nationals, he also rejoins former Reds teammate, outfielder Austin Kearns.

"Everybody likes his power and he walks," Kearns said on the Nationals' Web site. "He is just a presence in the lineup. You know he is going knock in his runs. You don't have to worry about that. He has stayed healthy, so he is going to be in there every day."

Dunn has 278 homers with 672 RBI and a .247 batting average in eight major league seasons.