WASHINGTON (AP) — Brian Dozier turned down a more lucrative deal to join what he hopes is a playoff team with the Nationals.

The 31-year-old signed a $9 million, one-year contract with Washington that makes him the new second baseman and potentially a bridge from Daniel Murphy to prospect Carter Kieboom. Dozier said Tuesday other clubs offered him more money and longer deals, but he and his wife opted for the opportunity to win now.

“We’re not the ones to go with the highest bidder by any means or any of that kind of stuff,” Dozier said on a conference call. “With more years and dollars out there, we felt like this one-year deal with the Nats would be the best fit for us.”

Dozier’s contract includes $2 million deferred without interest until Jan. 15, 2020. Next winter could bring an even bigger windfall if he’s able to get his swing back on track.

Last season, Dozier battled a bone bruise in his left knee and hit a career-low .215 with 21 homers with the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers. He averaged 35 homers over the preceding three seasons, with a career best of 42 for Minnesota in 2016, and is a career .246 hitter.

Washington could be counting on Dozier to supply some of that power in the middle of the lineup if star outfielder Bryce Harper signs elsewhere. Dozier can’t control that, but he said his struggles in 2018 serve as motivation to bounce back.