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Nationals Rumors: Washington Serious About Trading Jordan Zimmermann?

By Hayden Kane

Sep 9, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) pitches during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals defeated against the Atlanta Braves 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) pitches during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals defeated against the Atlanta Braves 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jordan Zimmermann could be dealt by the Washington Nationals this off-season, at least if recent MLB trade rumors are to be believed.

Jordan Zimmermann was crazy good for the Washington Nationals last season. He was a true ace and stands to be the same as the teams tries to reach its World Series aspirations once again in 2015.

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When you look at it that way, one would assume that Zimmermann is not available in trades this off-season. But the situation is more complicated than that, and so the Nationals might be serious about trading Zimmermann.

As of now, Zimmermann is preparing to pitch out the second year of a ridiculously cheap two-year, $24 million deal. When he hits free agency after the 2015 season he will be in line for a big payday, and the Nationals don’t seem confident they will be the team to sign him.

As such, trade talks are real this winter. Per Jayson Stark of ESPN, many people are envisioning a scenario where Washington trades Jordan Zimmermann and then tries to sign Max Scherzer:

"How can a team with win-the-World-Series dreams trade a pitcher this good? Only if there’s an ace-type alternative lined up, of course. And we’ve already laid out that “out goes Zimmermann, in comes Mad Max” scenario that’s sweeping through front offices everywhere, but “it’s so obvious,” said one of the GMs quoted earlier, “it makes me question if it’s real.”"

But the idea of a big trade from the Nationals is the real deal. Also from Stark:

"“I could see [GM Mike Rizzo] making a few blockbusters,” said another NL exec, “with the pitching staff in particular.”"

On its own, the decision to trade Zimmermann might not add up. But in connection with a big signing like Scherzer? That’s a bold plan and one that might be difficult to execute, but it would make more sense and the theory of such makes the Nationals a team to watch this winter.

Zimmermann went 14-5 in 32 starts in 2014 with a 2.66 ERA and an 8.2 K/9 mark.

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