Span snubbed as Nationals don't issue qualifying offer
The Washington Nationals made some interesting decisions prior to Friday's 5 p.m. ET qualifying offer deadline.
Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann and shortstop Ian Desmond have been offered one-year, $15.8-million deals by the club, but outfielder Denard Span was not extended an offer.
Zimmermann and Desmond now have seven days to consider their deals, and the club will receive compensatory draft picks should they sign with another club. Span is now a free agent.
Zimmermann, 29, has spent his entire seven-year career with the Nationals, compiling a 70-50 record with a 3.32 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. He will likely reject the qualifying offer and command a multiyear deal on the open market.
Desmond, 30, couldn't replicate the awesome offensive production he enjoyed in 2014, but will surely generate tons of interest in free agency from teams looking for help up the middle. He hit .233/.290/.384 with 19 homers and 62 RBIs in 156 games.
Span, 31, hits for a high average and his speed will be highly coveted by suitors this fall. He hit .301/.365/.431 and stole 11 bases during an injury-plagued campaign in which he dealt with back and hip problems.
No player has ever accepted a qualifying offer.