The Washington Nationals hope to avoid heading to
arbitration with right-hander Jordan Zimmermann, and long-term extensions could
be on the horizon for the starting pitcher and shortstop Ian Desmond, according
to James Wagner of The Washington Post.
Zimmermann and Ian Desmond, both important reasons for the Nationals’ success last season and vital pieces of their future, both seem like ideal candidates for multi-year extensions.
Both Zimmermann and Desmond are under team control through
2016. Zimmermann posted another solid campaign for Washington, maintaining an
ERA of 2.94 over 32 starts spanning 195 2/3 innings. Desmond hit an impressive
.292/.335/.511 with 33 doubles and 25 home runs over 513 at-bats.
Desmond was eligible for arbitration for the first time this
winter, and he reached an agreement with the Nationals on a one-year, $3.7
million contract. Zimmermann’s 2013 salary remains to be determined, but you
can figure he’ll receive a hefty increase from the $2.3 million he earned in
2012.
Follow @mlbinjurynews
