Ryan Zimmerman returns to the Nationals
Barry Svurluga of The Washington Post reported that on Friday night the Washington Nationals and Ryan Zimmerman agreed to a one-year extension. This latest piece completes the puzzle, sort of speak, for the final 2020 roster as the team looks to defend their World Series championship.
The deal is one year worth two million pending a physical and could max out up at up to five million based on performance bonuses.
The 35 year old was the first ever draft pick by the Washington Nationals at fourth overall in 2005. He’s been there through it all. After helping lead the Nationals to the title he said in 2020 he’ll either play for the Nats or retire.
The Nationals have plenty of good names at first base. Eric Thames was signed and Howie Kendrick’s contract was re-upped, giving the Nationals three options for Opening Day.
While Zimmerman didn’t play much last year he had several key hits to help the Nationals to their first ever World Series. He had a clutch eighth inning hit in the Wild Card game that sparked a rally, a three-run homer in Game 4 of the NLDS that brought the house down as well as hitting the first World Series homer in franchise history. Zimmerman also has a plethora of walk off hits and homers over the years since going yard on Father’s Day in 2006 to beat the Yankees.
The Nats have a team together after brining back their World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg, as well as re-upping Howie Kendrick, Asdrubal Cabrera, Yan Gomes and Daniel Hudson. They look determined as ever to defend their title.
Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 13 with a full squad workout taking place on the 18th.
