WASHINGTON -- Talk to Adam Dunn's former teammates with the Reds -- Barry Larkin and Aaron Boone -- and they will tell you that the Nationals made a good move in acquiring the left-handed-hitting slugger.

Dunn, who agreed to terms with Washington on a two-year, $20 million contract on Wednesday, is expected to improve an offense that finished near the bottom in almost every offensive category last year.

Not only will Dunn drive in the runs, he will lead by example, according to Larkin and Boone.

"I think the Nationals will have a tighter clubhouse. He is a clubhouse presence, a guy that can hit 40 home runs," said Larkin, who now works for MLB Network. "To have that in your lineup is significant."

Said Boone: "He will be a force in the clubhouse. There is a misnomer that [Dunn] doesn't like baseball and doesn't like to play. But he is really a professional, he's tough and comes to play every day. There are not enough guys like that. He has a pretty loud personality. He will be one of the leaders in that clubhouse."

According to Larkin, the player who will benefit the most from Dunn's presence is third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. Larkin believes Zimmerman will no longer have to carry the load of driving in most of the runs. Dunn is expected to hit fourth behind Zimmerman in the lineup.

"You will see a new and improved Ryan Zimmerman, because I think there will be less pressure on him to be that RBI producing guy," Larkin said. "There will be some consistency behind him. Dunn's physical presence will get Ryan Zimmerman more pitches in hitting opportunities because the opposing pitchers don't want Dunn up there. I really believe this signing is going to help Ryan Zimmerman."

Larkin is expecting Dunn to do more than just hit home runs and drive in runs. According to the former shortstop, Dunn is capable of stealing bases and being much better with the glove. Dunn has a reputation of being a below-average fielder in the outfield and at first base.

"He is capable of a lot of things. He has the ability and the opportunity to go and do some of those things," Larkin said. "Years ago, when I was playing in Cincinnati, he had one of the fastest agility drill times. This was a team with Deion Sanders and myself. With just pure physical abilities -- and agility and athleticism -- Adam is a monster. I hope that's what the people will see."