The Washington Nationals have a need for another starting pitcher. One possible way to fill this is by trading for former Nats pitcher Jordan Zimmermann.
Since Joe Ross is expected to potentially miss the entire 2018 season while recovering from Tommy John Surgery, the Washington Nationals have a need for another starting pitcher. There are not many quality starting pitchers available in free agency this year, so the Nats’ best option may be acquiring a starter via trade.
If the Nats elect to trade for a starting pitcher, Detroit Tigers pitcher Jordan Zimmermann is a solid target. Nats fans are familiar with Zimmermann, as he was drafted by the team in 2007 and pitched for them through 2015.
Zimmermann was great with the Nats, but has fallen considerably since departing. However, there is reason to believe he could bounce back if he returned to the Nats.
Most of Zimmermann’s success is due to his ability to induce weak contact and ground balls. Because of this, Detroit was just about the worst possible destination for him. According to FanGraphs, the Tigers defense had -62 defensive runs saved (DRS) in 2017, which was second-worst in the MLB.
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Zimmermann’s stats have been nowhere close to what they were with the Nats, but that is to be expected. A ground ball pitcher with a terrible defense behind him is a disaster waiting to happen.
The Nats also already have an outstanding starting rotation, so it is not the end of the world if Zimmermann has regressed from his Nats days. He could fill the fifth spot in the rotation and has the potential to perform like a mid-rotation pitcher.
If the Nats were to trade for Zimmermann, it likely would not cost much. The Tigers are in the middle of a rebuild and Zimmermann has struggled, so they are almost certainly looking to trade him.
Zimmermann is owed $74 million over the next three years, which will be the main roadblock. The Nats could ask the Tigers to eat most of his contract, but then they will have to give up better prospects.
If the Nats are willing to pay most of Zimmermann’s remaining contract, they could probably get him without giving up any of their top prospects.
Finally, the Nats new pitching coach, Derek Lilliquist, is known for preaching the importance of ground balls and weak contact. Because of this, they are a great match, which could also help Zimmermann get back on track.
Although Zimmermann has struggled mightily with the Tigers, there is reason to believe he could revive his career in DC. With the Nats, he was a two-time all-star, the NL leader in wins, and threw a no-hitter.
Next: Daniel Murphy's 2017 report card
Jordan Zimmermann was beloved in DC before departing in free agency to play closer to home, but he could return to the Nats in 2018. He is a perfect buy-low candidate, and could end up being a steal for the Nats if they take a chance on him.