Ryan Zimmerman Signs Extension With Washington for $100 Million Over 6 Years
It took a few days to iron out the details, but Ryan Zimmerman has signed an extension with the Washington Nationals. Zimmerman is one of the best third basemen in the game, and it’s a step in the right direction for a franchise that’s ready to turn their fortunes around. The deal is worth $100 million over 6 years, and guarantees Zimmerman a no-trade clause according to Jim Bowden. The no trade clause doesn’t have much of an impact on this deal, as he would have been guaranteed one after 2015 as a player with 10 years of service and 5 with the same team. Zimmerman currently has two years left on his current contract which was a 5 year $45 million extension from back in 09. The new extension will begin in 2014.
At this point there’s no question that Zimmerman is an elite third baseman. He struggled in 2011 due to injuries, but going forward he should be one of the top players at the position. Over the past three years he ranks second in fWAR among third basemen with 17.1 WAR, he’s fourth in home runs, and third in wRC+ with 132 (meaning he’s been 32% better than a league average hitter). Zimmerman isn’t just a great hitter though – he’s an elite defender, and ranks fourth over the past three years in UZR with 24.6.
Zimmerman was the fourth overall pick in 2005, one of the best drafts in recent history. Over his career he’s hit 288/355/479, with 128 homers, 498 RBI and 30.2 fWAR. Even more impressive is that he’ll start the season as a 27 year old, thanks to the fact that he debuted at age 20. So the extension won’t kick in until Zimmerman is 29 years old, allowing them to benefit from having Zimmerman in his prime.
Zimmerman isn’t the flashiest player, but he’s so good at everything that he’s a fantastic bargain for Washington. This is a terrific contract for the Nats, allowing them to keep their homegrown superstar. While there’s always risk in signing a player to a big contract, Zimmerman is a fantastic player to bet on. Ryan Zimmerman just might be one of the most underrated players in the game.
With potential superstars like Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg on the way, it’s only a matter of time until the Nationals become a dominant force in the NL East. Zimmerman is going to be an important player in their quest for the playoffs, and locking him up is essential for their success. The Nats have had a great offseason, and for the first time in years things are looking up in Washington.
