by Fitzgerald Cecilio

Nationals Sign Jordan Zimmermann to Two-Year, $24M Deal
Nationals Sign Jordan Zimmermann to Two-Year, $24M Deal

Washington, DC

The Washington Nationals have signed Jordan Zimmermann to a two-year, $24 million deal and avoided arbitration with four other players, including pitchers Drew Storen and Jerry Blevins, shortstop Ian Desmond and catcher Wilson Ramos.

According to a baseball source, Zimmermann will make $7.5 million in 2014 and $16.5 million in 2015.

There were media reports that Zimmermann could be traded if he didn't sign an extension soon, but the pitcher said he knew he would not be dealt.

"I knew all along that wasn't the case. ... I knew I was going to be here this year and most likely be back next year," Zimmermann said. "I'm happy to get this out of the way and not worry about the arbitration process this year or next year."

"I would like to thank [assistant general manager] Bryan Minniti, [general manager] Mike Rizzo and the Lerner family for working hard with my agent to get this deal done. Now I can focus on baseball and try to get to the World Series in D.C."

Zimmermann was the ace of the pitching staff in 2013, winning a team-leading 19 games, reaching 200 innings and being invited to his first All-Star Game.

Desmond, for his part, signed a two-year, $17.5 million deal after a solid 2013 season. He hit .280 with 20 home runs, 80 RBIs and 21 stolen bases.

For his performance, Desmond received the Silver Slugger Award for National League shortstops for the second straight year.

Despite playing in 78 games last season, Ramos received a one-year contract worth $2.095 million. He hit 16 home runs and driving in 59 runs last season

Storen is scheduled to make $3.45 million this season and will receive incentives for finishing 35 games ($50,000), 40 games ($100,000), 45 games ($150,000), 50 games ($200,000) and 60 games ($600,000).

Storen, who struggled in the 2012 NL Division Series against the Cardinals, lost his closer's job after the Nats signed free agent Rafael Soriano to a two-year deal in January 2013.

Blevins had a 3.15 ERA for the Athletics this past season, allowing a .253 batting average to lefty hitters. He has a fastball that can go from 89-92 mph. Blevins also has an above-average changeup.

 

 

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"Nationals Sign Jordan Zimmermann to Two-Year, $24M Deal"