MLB Hot Stove: Washington Nationals Sign Dan Uggla: Tracking The Former All-Star's Drastic, Disastrous Decline After All-Star Seasons With Marlins, Braves

The Washington Nationals signed second baseman Dan Uggla to a minor-league contract Friday, Dec. 26, according to espn.com, in a low-risk move made with the hope of catching lightning in a bottle.

Uggla is a three-time MLB All-Star who's still just 34 and could have some pop left in his bat. But ... God has he been bad lately.

In case you forgot about his completely forgettable past few seasons, here's a recap:

• Uggla signed a five-year, $62 million contract with the Atlanta Braves in 2011 and immediately hit 36 home runs for the Braves.

• His batting average slipped the next two seasons, first to .220, then to .179 in 2013. Uggla was never much of a batting average threat, but his power subsided as well. He made several high-profile errors at second base.

• Uggla hit just .162 through the All-Star break for the Braves in 2014 before being released mid-season.

• Uggla was signed by the San Francisco Giants, but played just four minor league games the rest of 2014 while he continues to collect giant paychecks signed by the Braves.

• Now the Braves will pay him $13.2 million in 2015 while he fights to make the major league roster of a division rival.

It's easy to forget he earned that contract by once being the most feared second baseman in baseball. The former Florida Marlin hit 27 home runs and drove in 90 runs as a rookie in 2006, placing third in Rookie of the Year voting, according to SB Nation. He then posted five consecutive 30-plus home-run seasons, driving in 105 runs and receiving MVP votes in 2010. He fled the fish for big money with the more big-time club, Atlanta. Then he flamed out.

Danny Espinosa is set to be the Nationals's starting second baseman in 2015, according to mlb.com. Espinosa is a plus-defender with speed and power, but he has failed to consistenly package his offensive game. This is a roster Uggla can crack. He can also provide late power off the bench if he can prove to be a valuable pinch hitter.