We’re in the early stages of what should be a busy offseason for the Nationals. Third baseman Anthony Rendon and right-hander Stephen Strasburg stand out as the reigning champions’ top free agents, but franchise icon and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman could also be on his way out. Zimmerman discussed his future with Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post and other reporters Monday (Twitter links), when the 35-year-old suggested he’ll either re-sign with the Nationals or retire. It doesn’t seem Zimmerman will have to hang up his cleats yet, though, as Dougherty writes “it’s just a matter of ironing out the details” on a new contract.
At this point, Zimmerman may be best known as the first draft pick in the history of the Washington franchise. The club selected Zimmerman fourth overall in 2005, just months before its first season out of Montreal. Zimmerman soon evolved into a franchise player, though injuries limited his impact and helped tamp down his production in recent years. This past season, Zimmerman hit a less-than-stellar .257/.321/.415 with six home runs in 190 plate appearances, but there were moments in which he came up large during the Nats’ unexpected run through the playoffs en route to their first-ever World Series title.
If the Nationals do bring Zimmerman back, it won’t be for a bank-breaking total. He’s likely only in line for a one-year deal worth a couple million dollars. At the same time, the team’s facing the departures of free-agent first basemen Howie Kendrick and Matt Adams.
As for Rendon and Strasburg, there’s not much new to report. General manager Mike Rizzo said Monday (via Dougherty) that the club hasn’t met with agent Scott Boras, who represents both players. However, there have been discussions in regards to the two with Boras, who – according to Rizzo – “knows where they stand.”
If Lerners & Rizzo let Rendón and Strasb go elsewhere it’ll impact the team, fans loyalty & show to DMV fans that building a dominance (multi NLCS) isn’t their priority! Money is there pay the men !
It wouldn’t look good to let Harper walk and then let the two guys who actually brought you a championship skedaddle in the next offseason. It would make me think the Nats have a silent partner: Jeffrey Loria!
Well, Strasburg opted out so that’s a little different. Paying him just because they won a World Series would be repeating Boston’s mistake with Sale.
Agreed! I really don’t want to see the Nats overpay Stras based on a career year. I love him as much as the next Nats fan, but if the bidding gets stupid why not spend huge on a younger, more talented Cole?
If the Nats are going to have to go to 6/200 or so for Stras I would rather them go 7/235+ for Cole.
As for Rendon, I love him and think he is worth outbidding others for. He can move to 1st in 4-5 years if needed since I have faith his bat will age well. If they can’t resign Rendon, then I would see what it take to get Arenado from the Rockies. I know they have rebuffed attempts to trade for him thus far but I think he’d be worth selling the farm for.
Any more than $35M AAV for Stras would be too much.
Major league baseball needs the Washington Nationals. Not only to prove that cheating in athletics is a crime but it be won’t prevail.
Strasburg stands for perservirence Rondon stands for sportsmanship.
What? The Nationals aren’t going anywhere. To prove that cheating in athletics is a crime? Are you loopy?
And that Strasburg stands for perseverance, and Rendon for sportsmanship? Good grief mister. They’re men playing a boys game and making millions. They’re already millionaires and about to be stupidly rich. I hope they both sign with the Marlins.