Washington Nationals veteran first baseman Ryan Zimmerman was the first pick in the history of the Nationals franchise in 2005. He has seen all of the ups and downs of an eventful 15-year run in D.C., culminating with a World Series title this October.
While Zimmerman's contract is up and Washington elected to decline his $18 million option for 2020, the Nationals are likely to bring him back next season, according to Todd Dybas of NBC Sports Washington:
Zimmerman: Zero surprises here. His option was much too high for this stage of his career. He, and the team, expected this decision. He, and the team, expect to work something out. Anticipate Zimmerman signing a one-year deal in the $5-$7 million range, perhaps with an option. He’s publicly stated his desire to return and understanding he could well play the rest of his career on one-year deals. Don’t expect it to occur anywhere else. He’s the likely starting first baseman Opening Day 2020.
Zimmerman has long been a staple of the Nationals, but 2019 was an individual struggle. He suffered a number of injuries and played in just 52 games, slashing .257/.321/.415 while posting the second-lowest OPS of his career.
The 35-year-old was not even the starter at first base when the Nationals entered the Wild Card Game, but after his pinch-hit single sparked an eighth-inning rally against the Milwaukee Brewers, he was installed as the starter in the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Zimmerman provided a number of big hits throughout the postseason, including a homer off Gerrit Cole in Game 2 of the World Series.
As Dybas indicates, Zimmerman has been vocal about his desire to keep playing, and he seems intent on returning to Washington. The move should also free up payroll for the Nationals to re-sign either Anthony Rendon or Stephen Strasburg in free agency.
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