The Chicago Cubs apparently aren’t going to wait around for Jon Lester to make a decision, or for the Phillies to lower their price on Cole Hamels – they’re going in on an elite pitcher right now. The team is reportedly discussing a deal that would result in them acquiring NL All-Star Jordan Zimmermann from the Washington Nationals. Via the Chicago Sun-Times…
Multiple sources said Tuesday the Cubs are in talks with the Washington Nationals to acquire right-hander Jordan Zimmermann, a two-time All-Star who has averaged 200 innings over the past three seasons.
[…]
One source said the teams have enough mutual interest that names have been discussed. Another said he expected the Cubs to complete the deal – along with Cardinals free agent Justin Masterson, who blamed minor injuries for season-long struggles in 2014 after a 2013 All-Star season.
The 28-year old Zimmermann will be a free agent after the 2015 season, but is signed for $16.5 million this coming season. After missing a large chunk of 2010 following 2009 Tommy John surgery, Zimmermann has proven himself to be one of the best pitchers in baseball. From 2011-14, he’s tossed 770 innings (which includes an innings cap on his 2011 season), pitched to a 3.00 ERA (tenth-best among qualified pitchers in baseball), and has posted a 4.34 strikeout to walk rate that is the eighth-best mark in baseball, better than Chris Sale, Adam Wainwright, and Felix Hernandez, among others.
The Cubs certainly have the minor league talent to get a deal done, and also have the financial capabilities to get an extension with Zimmermann done.
Buckle up, folks – the offseason is starting to get fun.
