Nats reportedly ink Daniel Murphy to three-year contract (updated)

The Nationals have reportedly crossed two needs off their holiday wish list on Christmas Eve, agreeing to terms on a three-year deal with second baseman Daniel Murphy, pending a physical. The 30-year-old brings a much-needed left-handed bat along with a veteran infield presence.

Terms of the deal are not yet known.

Following a monstrous postseason, Murphy rejected the Mets' one-year $15.8 million qualifying offer, choosing free agency. By signing Murphy, the Nats forfeit their first round pick (17th overall) in the 2016 First Year Player Draft, with the Mets receiving a compensatory pick after the first round.

But the Nats regain a compensatory early pick from the Tigers after they inked right-hander Jordan Zimmermann, and will receive another when free agent Ian Desmond signs with another club. Both Zimmermann and Desmond had received - and rejected - qualifying offers from Washington.

With Desmond departing via free agency, Yunel Escobar recently traded to the Angels and Anthony Rendon transitioning back to third base, the Nationals were seeking experience in their middle infield. Murphy, a 2014 All-Star, brings five years of experience at second base for the Mets. He also provides an option at first base and third base, where he has played 190 and 86 games, respectively.

Murphy slashed .281/.322/.449 with 14 homers, 38 doubles and 73 RBIs in 130 games last season. He led the Mets through the playoffs with an awesome but unusual power display, smashing seven homers with 11 RBIs and winning the National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award.

The Nationals had made an aggressive push in free agency for versatile veteran Ben Zobrist before losing out to the Cubs. They then moved on to a trade for Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips. When that deal fell apart because Phillips refused to waive his no-trade protection without financial inducements, the Nationals turned their attention to Murphy.

Murphy owns a career .288/.331/.424 batting line over seven major league seasons, all with the Mets, who took him in the 13th round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft. He has hit .294 against right-handers and .271 against lefties. He struck out just 38 times in 538 plate appearances in 2015.

The deal was first reported by ESPN.

Update: It's a three-year deal worth $37.5 million, per Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com.