*Photo from Bleacher Report*
The Washington Nationals have signed 1B Ryan Zimmerman to a one year, $2 million deal, according to mlb.com's Mark Feinsand. Zimmerman's deal includes an additional $3 million in performance bonuses. Zimmerman is known as Mr.National in town, and that's because he was the first ever selection the Nationals made after relocating from Montreal in 2005. Zimmerman has spent his entire 15 year career with Washington. Zimmerman's deal also includes a full no trade clause. Zimmerman said all offseason that he would either re-sign with the Nationals or retire, and he got it done.
Zimmerman had a limited role in 2019, hitting .257 with 6 homers and 27 RBI in just 52 games in the regular season. He had a more integral role in the postseason, hitting some key homers and making key plays at first base in Washington's World Series run. Zimmerman is a two time all star selection and a two time silver slugger award winner in his career. He has a career .279 average with 270 homers and 1,015 RBI in his 15 year career. His $18 million option for 2020 was declined by the Nationals in November, but they were able to bring him back at a lower cost.
The Nationals infield picture now becomes clearer with Zimmerman returning. Zimmerman, Howie Kendrick, and Eric Thames are expected to get reps at first base, with Kendrick, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Starlin Castro figuring in at second base, while Trea Turner sits as the incumbent shortstop. Cabrera and top prospect Carter Kieboom will likely get reps at 3rd base, while Zimmerman, a former 3rd baseman, could sneak in playing time there as well. All of this will start to be figured out when position players report to Washington's facility in West Palm Beach, FL, for Spring Training on February 18.
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