The Nationals put together among the more talented starting rotations in Major League Baseball this season. However, it appears the unit will not look the same when the 2016 season gets underway.
Jordan Zimmermann is eligible to be a free agent at season’s end and is expected to test the open market. That likely means he won’t be returning to the Nationals, who drafted him in 2007. While it’s not a certainty Zimmermann will leave, he issued a statement through his agent on Monday thanking fans for their support through the years that would lead one to believe he’s pitched his last innings for Washington’s team.
Sorry Jordan doesn't have Twitter. But this message is from him. pic.twitter.com/F1jFGAahLd
— Mark Pieper (@Mark_Pieper) October 5, 2015
Dear Washington D.C.:
It’s difficult to put into words the feelings of appreciation I have for the love and support I’ve felt over the last seven seasons. Nationals fans treated my family and me like members of their own, never wavering, no matter the circumstances. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
For a kid from a small town in central Wisconsin, stepping on the mound and competing on the Major League level is a dream come true. It’s a dream, yet also a responsibility I don’t take lightly. The same level of commitment and passion that you fans showed me every game I took the ball is what I placed in every pitch I tossed wearing a Nationals uniform. My only regret is that we were not able to bring a championship to the fans of this great city this season.
Although I may no longer wear the curly W on my head or my chest, Nationals fans always will be in my heart. Thank you again for everything!
Jordan Zimmermann
Zimmermann has made two All-Star game appearances and pitched the first no-hitter in Nationals history last year. He has also recorded the most victories (70) since the franchise moved to Washington. This season, Zimmermann went 13-10 with a 3.66 ERA in 201.2 innings.
