Nationals Planning To Try To Extend Zimmermann

The Nationals are planning to make starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann another extension offer, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets. Zimmermann, who is eligible for free agency following the 2015 season, has been the subject of frequent trade rumors, although the notion that the Nationals might make Zimmermann an extension offer does not rule out the possibility that they could trade him if the two sides can’t find common ground on a deal.

In November, James Wagner of the Washington Post reported that Zimmermann and the Nationals had not had extension discussions since last winter, although Zimmermann expressed interest in remaining in Washington if offered the right contract. Wagner noted that Homer Bailey’s six-year, $105MM extension with the Reds might provide a starting point for negotiations. Zimmermann has a more consistent performance record, however, and is already set to make $16.5MM in 2015, whereas Bailey was set to make less through the arbitration process in 2014 before signing his long-term deal.