Nationals' Zimmermann unwilling to negotiate new contract after spring training
Although Jordan Zimmermann's is willing to negotiate a new contract during spring training, the clock is winding down for the Washington Nationals if they want to get the Cy Young candidate locked up beyond 2015.
The hard-throwing right-hander isn't letting talks of a new long-term contract get in the way of his preparations for the new season, but Zimmermann indicates the negotiations aren't as advanced as some may expect.
"I'm just getting ready for this season," Zimmermann said Saturday, as reported by Jamal Collier of MLB.com. "If (the Nationals) want to bring something up, I'm here to listen. But I think everything's on hold right now."
Zimmermann added he doesn't want to negotiate once the season starts.
It wouldn't be the first time Zimmermann enters a season while his future with the club is in question. Talks broke down over a long-term deal after the 2013 season and Zimmermann instead signed a two-year, $24-million extension before spring training.
Max Scherzer is the latest premier starter to join the Nationals' stacked rotation, signing a seven-year, $210-million contract during the offseason. While Zimmermann might not fetch such a monstrous amount, two straight top-10 finishes in National League Cy Young voting should see the 28-year-old rewarded for his consistent displays on the mound.
"Obviously it's definitely shocking when you see a guy get that much money," Zimmermann said. "I'm happy for him. There's nothing I can really do. We negotiated a little bit and didn't get very far, so I'm definitely happy for him."
Zimmermann came fifth in NL Cy Young voting last season, registering a solid 2.66 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP and a 14-5 record in 32 starts.