Washington Nationals cornerstone Ryan Zimmerman is set to take the field for his 16th season — all of which have been with the Nationals. However, the coronavirus pandemic has put just about everything, including the MLB 2020 season on hold.
While the league has tossed around reported proposals to a modified 2020 season, there is still a chance the season may be canceled. And that’s not the way Zimmerman wants to end his career. In his latest Associated Press entry, the 35-year old says he plans to play in 2021 if this season is canceled.
“If it turns out there isn’t a 2020 season, and I had to decide right now about 2021, I would say: Yes, I definitely would plan on playing next year.”
Ryan Zimmerman / Associated Press
Zimmerman signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Nationals this past winter after the club declined an $18 million option for the season. He believes he is still capable of contributing to a winning team which helped him return to the team that drafted him in 2005.
“I already had decided that from here on out, I’m just going to do one-year deals,” Zimmerman added. “That way I can assess how I feel, how my body feels, how I performed, and if I’m still capable of contributing at this level and helping the team win. That’s the top priority.”
Zimmerman has been limited to 137 games over the past two seasons with injuries. But, played a pivotal part in the Nationals winning their first ever World Series title. Playing in a reduce role allows him to still contribute more efficiently to the Nationals, who will be looking to repeat as champions whenever baseball resumes.
