Nats, Zimmerman Close To Extension

[BrewCrewFan]

The Nationals and Ryan Zimmerman are reportedly close to a long-term contract extension, with no-trade language being the largest remaining hurdle. The third baseman's self-imposed deadline for a new deal is 10am ET this morning, as MLB.com's Bill Ladson reports (on Twitter). Here's the latest, with the newest info up top...

Rizzo said the two sides made progress and the Nats believe a deal will be struck either tonight or early tomorrow, according to Kilgore, Zuckerman, and Comak (all Twitter links). "We feel good and optimistic Zim is going to be a Washington National for a long, long time," said the GM. "I don't see any major stumbling blocks. More detail-oriented work that needs to be done."

"Nothing is done until it's done, but both sides are optimistic," said Zimmerman's agent Brodie Van Wagenen in a statement according to Comak and Kilgore (all Twitter links). "While nothing is finalized, I am confident we can reach an agreement ... [we are] working on a structure that will allow the team to continue to add talent and establish a winner."

Rumor is that it's for 6 years at about 18 M per year, or 6/108.

[Old Sweater]

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/co...s/?page_id=150

Ryan Zimmerman 3b
5 years/$45M (2009-13)

5 years/$45M (2009-13)
signed extension with Washington 4/20/09
replaced 1 year/$3.325M deal signed 2/19/09, avoiding arbitration, $3.9M-$2.75M
$0.5M signing bonus
09:$3.325M, 10:$6.25M, 11:$8.925M, 12:$12M, 13:$14M
performance bonuses: $75,000 for 500 PAs; $50,000 each for 550, 600 PAs
award bonus: $25,000 for All Star selection

I'm about all for the players but I really think it is ridiculous for them not to honor their current contract more. Zimmerman has his 6 years of MLB service in to qualify being a FA and is acting like it's still arbitration years for 2012 & 2013.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

According to MLB.com, the Nationals and Ryan Zimmerman have agreed on a contract extension.
Terms were not disclosed (yet).
Zimmerman wanted a no-trade clause in his contract, we'll have to see if the Nats met that demand.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

In the mean time, more details have been published.

Zimmerman got a six year, $100 million extension with a full no-trade clause. There is a $24 million club option.

[Cathy]

Hope the Nationals can make it to the playoffs this season

[yankeebiscuitfan]

Hope the Nationals can make it to the playoffs this season

I have a "slight" different opinion here. The Expos were one of my favorites. I simply can't root for the Nats.

[RickD]

His new deal will keep him in Washington at least through 2019. Zimmerman and the Nationals agreed on a six-year contract worth $100 million that will kick in after the two years remaining on his existing contract expire. An option could extend the deal longer. It includes a no-trade clause.

[Cubs Fan]

I think the Nationals sort of overpayed him. He's NEVER finished above 16th in the NL M.V.P voting. And looking at the people who are signed through 2019 are:Ryan Braun, Matt Kemp, Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, and Jose Reyes. Does he really belong in that group?

[WilsonC]

My only real concern would be where he already has an injury history. I've always seen him as one of the most underrated stars in the game - a very good hitter who adds a lot of value with the glove - and I think the contract is well in line with his talent, as long as the team's medical staff isn't worried about his past injuries becoming a chronic risk.