Nationals Avoid Arbitration With Six Players, Only Jordan Zimmermann Remains

Update: Amanda Comak of the Washington Times tweets that the club has come to an agreement with shortstop Ian Desmond as well. The deal is for 1 year and $3.8 million, so obviously it does not look like a long-term deal for Desmond this year.

Update 2: Dan Kolko of MASN says that Tyler Clippard has avoided arbitration as well.

After solidifying their roster with trades and free agent signings, it seems like the Washington Nationals turned their attention to their own players, avoiding the dreaded arbitration hearings with Drew Storen, Craig Stammen, Ross Detwiler and Roger Bernadina.

September 29, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop

(20) throws out a St. Louis Cardinals base runner during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Storen will receive an incentive laden $2.5 million which would mean more money if he returns as the team’s closer after General Manager Mike Rizzo made it known that Rafael Soriano was brought in to pitch the ninth inning. Basically, the more games that Storen finishes, the more money he will make.

Detwiler will also see a one-year deal worth $2.337 million. He is penciled in as the fifth starter right now, and if he has a solid season should be set to see that number rise over his career.

Stammen signed a 2-year extension worth a total of $2.25 million, according to Adam Kilgore. Stammen will be one of the middle relief guys in the Nationals bullpen and could start if injuries pile up in the rotation.

Bernadina also avoided arbitration, according to James Wagner. No terms have been announced as of yet.

That leaves Jordan Zimmermann as the two remaining Nationals who have not come to an agreement.  I would not be surprised to see a long-term contract finalized with Zimmermann as he is the de-facto third starter for this Nationals team and coming off of a great season after Tommy John surgery.