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District On Deck

6 biggest questions for Nationals entering the offseason

By Jake Mastroianni

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 14: Stephen Strasburg #37, Kurt Suzuki #28, Ryan Zimmerman #11, Anthony Rendon #6 and Howie Kendrick #47 of the Washington Nationals meet on the mound during the seventh inning of game three of the National League Championship Series at Nationals Park on October 14, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 14: Stephen Strasburg #37, Kurt Suzuki #28, Ryan Zimmerman #11, Anthony Rendon #6 and Howie Kendrick #47 of the Washington Nationals meet on the mound during the seventh inning of game three of the National League Championship Series at Nationals Park on October 14, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 26: Ryan  Zimmerman #11 of the Washington Nationals looks on during batting practice prior to Game Four of the 2019 World Series against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on October 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 26: Ryan  Zimmerman #11 of the Washington Nationals looks on during batting practice prior to Game Four of the 2019 World Series against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on October 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

What happens with Ryan Zimmerman

There is no denying the importance of Ryan Zimmerman to this Washington Nationals organization.

He is first in several all-time offensive categories for the Nationals, including hits, total bases, doubles, home runs, and RBI.

And he’s top five in just about everything else.

But there is absolutely no way the Nationals are picking up his $18 million option for 2020.

Zimmerman, who is now 35, has played in 137 games the past two seasons, and just 552 games the past six seasons. That means he’s appeared in just over 50 percent of his team’s games over that time.

There is no question that he can still hit, and he’s even been an adequate defender at first base, but health is a major concern.

If I’m being honest, Ryan’s best chance of continuing his career would be as a DH with an American League team.

But I would not be shocked at all if he and the Nationals work out a smaller deal for him to be a bench bat and part-time player.

And that’s all if he wants to continue playing.

The Nationals do have a $4 million mutual option with Matt Adams. If they can sign a smaller deal with Zimmerman for about that same amount they’d have a pretty good, cheap duo at first base next season.

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