Pitcher Jordan Zimmermann has spent his entire career as a member of the Washington Nationals. That may not be the case after this season.
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Zimmermann Comments on Contract Status
Friday, March 27
Zimmermann commented on contract negotiations (or the lack of contract negotiations) with the Nationals Friday, via Mark Zuckerman of NatsInsider.com: “I’m just not going to talk during the season. If something gets done before then — which is probably pretty rare right now — then it gets done. But it’s not looking good.”
Zuckerman noted that Zimmermann made it clear when he arrived at spring training that he wouldn’t negotiate his contract during the regular season. Opening Day is approaching quickly, and it doesn’t appear likely that the pitcher, who is eligible for free agency after the 2015 campaign, will be signed to a long-term deal before it arrives.
Zuckerman also reported that “the January signing of free agent Max Scherzer to a club-record $210 million contract was viewed by most as evidence the Nats had conceded any hope of re-signing Zimmermann.”
Zimmermann may not be as big of a name as Max Scherzer or even fellow Washington pitcher Stephen Strasburg, but he turned in a spectacular 2014 season with a 14-5 record, 2.66 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 182 strikeouts. He was nearly as effective the season before with a 19-9 record and 3.25 ERA.
The Nationals hope to contend for a National League East title and perhaps more in 2015 behind a deep pitching staff. It just looks like Zimmermann may not be a part of it next year.
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