The Nationals took the time to honor franchise icon Ryan Zimmerman yesterday, in what could have been the final appearance of the veteran corner infielder’s storied big league career (video link). After the game, Zimmerman told reporters that he’s not yet decided whether he’ll retire or come back for what would be a 17th season at the Major League level (link via MASNsports.com’s Mark Zuckerman).
Zimmerman, who turned 37 in late September, said he feels confident he could continue playing and felt he handled the role he was given this year well, but there are larger questions at stake. “Now it’s a decision of: Do I want to keep doing that or do I want to be around my family a little bit more?” Zimmerman wondered aloud. It’s a question that’s had onlookers wondering for some time now, as explored by MLBTR’s TC Zencka over the weekend.
One thing that became abundantly clear based on yesterday’s slate of interviews is that Zimmerman would be welcomed back to the roster next season with open arms. General manager Mike Rizzo made sure to plainly express as much, taking the extra step to emphasize that Zimmerman has a guaranteed Major League deal waiting for him if he wants to return.
“Ryan Zimmerman has a place on this roster as a player as long as Mike Rizzo is the GM,” said Rizzo. “So whenever he wants to take a major league contract, just call me up and we’ll give him one.”
While the 2021 season wasn’t as strong a year as Zimmerman had during his peak, the veteran slugger still tormented left-handed opponents and generally showed well above-average power. In 116 plate appearances against southpaws, Zimmerman turned in a .291/.319/.582 batting line with seven home runs and 11 doubles. His overall production was down against righties (.207/.261/.386), but Zimmerman still tagged same-handed opponents for seven homers and five doubles with a strong .179 isolated power mark (slugging percentage minus batting average).
On the surface, Zimmerman still carries appeal as a platoon option at first base or, assuming it is indeed implemented in the National League in 2022, at designated hitter. That’d be a fairly limited role, of course, but the organization surely values Zimmerman’s contributions well beyond his mere on-field production. After spending nearly two decades in the Majors — all of them coming as a member of the Nationals — Zimmerman’s leadership, his ability to connect with young players and his connection with the fan base are all factors that weigh into the team’s decision to effectively present him with a standing offer.
Looking to the 2022 season, that leadership and ability to mentor younger players could be valued even more heavily. After spending years as one of the older and more veteran-laden teams in the game, the Nationals embarked on what will likely be an accelerated rebuilding effort at this year’s trade deadline. Max Scherzer, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Daniel Hudson, Brad Hand, Yan Gomes, Josh Harrison and Jon Lester were all traded for younger, more controllable players. The likes of Keibert Ruiz, Josiah Gray, Riley Adams and Lane Thomas have all already debuted on the big league roster, and next year’s club figures to be a good bit younger than in recent seasons as a result.
To be clear, Rizzo already pushed back on the idea of prolonging this summer’s sale into a lengthy, years-long rebuild. That doesn’t seem to be in the cards, and the Nats have plenty of available payroll space with only three guaranteed contracts on the books next season (Stephen Strasburg, Patrick Corbin and Will Harris). It’s likely they’ll bring in some veteran talent whether Zimmerman is re-signed or not, but the front office clearly sees value in the continuity “Mr. National” would bring as the team transitions to a new core that can hopefully be built around superstar outfielder Juan Soto.
Why? He’s like what 90 yrs old? Maybe he’ll ger a walker in a deal.
I think the article clearly stated that he is 37 years old; which, based on your handle, would make me guess he is 4years older than you. Are you in need of a walker as well?
Clearly yes, but likely for other reasons.
Walker? Nelson Cruz much? Has nothing to do with age as much as his ability. If he could throw half as good as he once did, he wouldn’t be so limited on a NL team without a presumed DH. But if LAD can find a fit for Pujols in a limited capacity, not sure why WSH couldn’t do the same especially considering how deep the roots run, how he already has a personal service deal, and they won’t be competing soon anyway.
Congrats on a nice career and good luck to him if he comes back. I doubt he does and it seemed like his farewell at the last game. He was certainly a serviceable platoon player but why would an old vet want to come back to a team with recent success but is now in a deep rebuild?
Veteran presence in the locker room, popular with fans, career long National will most likely get his jersey number retired one day, can still hit lefty’s and while signed to a major league contract, it won’t be a high dollar contract. Makes sense to keep him if he wants to continue playing.
Zimmerman > Cuddeyer > Wright, about time the virginia trio retire
I’m always for hanging onto veterans. I don’t see how a Nats fan wouldn’t want Ryan Zimmerman back. He’s Mr Nat. They most likely won’t be competing next year anyways. Irks me so much when a teams own fan base wants to just totally discount what a player has meant to a team and solely look at what he’s doing for you at the moment. Not saying Nats fans are doing that, but you see it all the time.
Honestly I think this is pretty cool if Rizzo and the Nats. He’s limited compared to what he once was but he can still play and contribute well enough. And by publicly stating it, Rizzo is eliminating any chance of a bad PR situation down the road.
Regardless if he plays or not, Zim has a personal service contract with the Nats (at least he did in the last big one he signed, I assume it would still apply)- so he will be around.
37 years old, made over $140 MM in his career – why keep hanging out in snot-infested dugouts well beyond one’s own expiration date for relative chump change?
There’s so much more to do in this world besides hitting a ball with a stick. Unfortunately, most of these athletes are uneducated Neanderthals who are completely lost outside their cave.
Spoken like a salty nerd.
Funny to see ignorant U.S. Americans without passports always assuming that life in other parts of this world has to be as sad and drab as their own.
Maybe pick up a few new languages and dedicate a couple of months of each year to travel across the globe, as is the custom in civilized societies, where people don’t live paycheck to paycheck with little to no paid vacation.
Funny to see how ignorant Waldfee is.
@waldfee. I agree 100 percent. I think the “U.S.A., U.S.A.” crowd does that so they don’t feel inferior. If their country is best, they think that makes them better than anyone else. By the way, I don’t believe in the concept that one nation is better than all the rest. Once you start believing that, cracks start to emerge. And we’ve had cracks in our system for a long, long time.
This comment makes me miss downvoting. USA is made up of people from all other countries. Cracks in our system? There’s cracks in everything. People come here, and some of them fight so hard to come here because they know we enjoy freedom here. We created the best system there is … a system that can correct itself and can be amended. I don’t know what any of this anti American crap has to do with baseball or Zimmerman though. It’s just a bunch of nonsense when we’re all here to talk about baseball.
Cey hey is a huge lib. It’s come to be expected from him.
Where do you get that I’m a huge lib? Because I’m into equality for all?
Lyman, so you are okay with the status quo regarding racism, sexism, and other violations of human rights? Sorry, but we need to get better. Stop thinking we’re better than everyone else because it just isn’t true. Have you noticed some of the freedoms a certain party is trying to take,away?
The world is just full of bad. Anywhere you go, there’s going to be unfairness based on race, religion, class (upper class, lower class), sex, whatever. You name it, there’s somewhere out there that doesn’t hold them in the same fairness as the country’s majority. There’s bad and then there’s worse.
And whenever there’s a huge exodus of refugees across the globe, what is the one country most of those refugees want to relocate to? It’s the same country. Every time.
This country has always had its’ cracks and flaws, sure. And this country has always had bedwetters who complain about them, too.
Forgive me for thinking we’re better than everyone else. Oh sorry, I don’t really care whether I’m forgiven.
Did u ever play? Playing baseball is fun and I’m if u can make money at it as well who can fault him? I would play as long as I could too
when i played in the FL 1st Coast League & was turning 37, our spring Training i could see i suddenly couldn’t catch up to straight fast balls… no longer fun then! at Natsfest 2007, i gave him an oversized pic of his HR against Wang to beat the Yankees (great pic on a dinky camera), and plant baseball in DC, he gave me the sincerest thank you and hand shake. never forgot that moment. if you can still turn on the FB, stay.
A little salty.
Ryan went to UVA, a pretty tough school.
“Uneducated Neanderthals completely lost outside of their cave” — Waldfee, you’ve obviously never met nor had a conversation with Ryan Zimmerman, have you?
Thank goodness you weighed in though. Now all of us can sleep better tonite. in our sad, drab realities.
I understand the optics in not saying outright that you’re rebuilding, but I feel it would be pretty foolish for the Nats not to.
The Nats don’t need a full rebuild. I fully expect them to bring in a top bat to bat behind Soto. Then it’s all about the pitching. The trade with the Dodgers was a good one for Rizzo. It won’t be long until Ruiz is one of the best catchers in the game.
It’s really good to see a team do this with a veteran, particularly if they know he’s not going to weigh the team down (ie, if they were WS competitors and needed the roster spot). It speaks volumes about the organization’s mindset regarding their players, as opposed to, say, Colorado.
He’s in an enviable spot, knowing the ball is in his court, but it sure seemed that was his last game judging by his on-field honors from the fans, players, and Martinez. He obviously beloved by the fan base and can contribute much in the way of leadership in their clubhouse.
that nl dh decision needs to happen quickly.
Rizzo and Martinez were saying yesterday that a “fresh set of eyes” is never a bad thing. I could certainly see him back as a DH/1B option and coach. Win-win IMHO for both sides.
Yesterday was a nice moment for him. Red Sox fans should applaud as well and they did. It’s getting tougher to keep a guy like him with all the pitchers on the roster these days. We’ll see what happens.
whyhayzee, I think a lot of teams are going to be looking at what the Giants and the Red Sox have done. Make incremental improvements, stay competitive, and avoid a full rebuild. Lots of people criticized Bloom’s moves last winter, but they proved to be the correct ones. Suddenly, the immediate future looks bright. The Nats are kind of in the same boat. Add a bat to go behind Soto and make slight upgrades elsewhere, and they’ll be a lot closer than some fans realize. The possibility of expanded playoffs (which I am in favor of) will make it less likely that teams will do full teardowns.
I’m sure it’s difficult to walk away. These guys devote their lives to the game as they’ve played it since little league through high school then on to college (for some) then the minors. Most players don’t come out of retirement so typically once you step away, that’s it. The average person doesn’t usually get to retire in their late 30s . He’ll get plenty of time to enjoy life after baseball but if he’s healthy now and still feels into it he should keep at it. Especially if he’s got the opportunity offered by his team.
The guy clearly has a presence in the club house which is a main reason they want him back. Not a Nats fan, but I applaud them on their loyalty to Zimmerman as you don’t see enough of this in sports. Tip of the hat to ya Zimm, whatever you decide
I wish people would stop with the good clubhouse guy..give me a bad clubhouse guy and a division title over e good guy and watching the playoffs anytime. Sign Zimmerman if can’t trade for or sign a better 1B like a Freeman, but don’t let Zimmerman stop you from trying.
You want bad clubhouse guys? Washington was saddled with talented yet knucklehead clowns like Shawn Kelley and J. Papelbon for years. You can have ’em. They didn’t work in The Nats clubhouse before, and probably won’t again. Elijah Dukes anyone?
Zimmerman’s never going to have to buy another meal at a restaurant in DC. And signing him in ’22 is not going to hinder them.
I love how there’s only two choices: good guys who don’t win and bad guys who do win. Ok, then.
Haven’t looked it up, but there can’t be many 40 WAR careers where the player never once placed in the Top 15 in MVP voting.
Tribute to steady above average production and a good attitude.
There’s probably some pitchers who qualify for 40 war no top 15 mvp seasons. But for position players yeah, that’s a good question. I thought maybe Kenny Lofton because he has 68 WAR but never gets respect but he did have three top 15 mvp vote seasons including a 4. Now you have me thinking …
If there is a NL DH next year, this guy will be on the Nats. One more year I think will be it for him though. At some point having a mid/high 8 figures of net worth at age 38 or so will be too big a temptation.
I think he would still be a great addition as a bench bat back up first baseman 1 start a week type still have power and he has been on a winning team that got a World Series win.
He would be good for a lot of teams in that role
Retire.
He’s a good guy. I’m not a Nats fan but attended a Nats-Phils game a few years ago and he hit an epic walk off HR. I’ve always remembered that. There’s nothing better than ripping the heart out of a Phillies fan.
As I recall, a number of fights broke out in the stands after the game between Phils fans…and…other Phils fans.
Crazy how good Zimmerman could have been. He’s only been a shell of himself for the last ten plus years after all those early injuries. Yet he still reached 1000 rbi, still can mash lefties and reached 40 war.
Him and his boy David Wright could have been legends. Wright actually reached 50 war basically playing half of a career. I didn’t realize how crazy weights numbers are. He was better than Zimmerman and I didn’t realize that until I just checked the numbers.
Nats are going to be a 100 team loss next year…..unless they spend $$$ Zimmerman should consider AL DH but as AL DH go he is lower tier
Zimmerman is not going to the AL next year.
He’s not going somewhere else to make another million or two. He either returns or retires.
In the ST Game at Nats Park in 2006, his father (I now know what he looks like) asked what I thought of him, I said: Strong wrists to turn on the fastballs, good glove at 3rd; but, can’t throw straight (see 1st base…). He stepped on my popcorn. Then twisted his foot into it…