The case of Jordan Zimmermann's free agency is a peculiar one. It's a bit similar to that of Jeff Samardzija's, as both right-handers failed to stand out from the other impending starting pitching free agents this past season.
Rumors surrounding Zimmermann's future aren't even revealing much. However, various MLB teams will pay for pitching, and we know the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers need to improve their rotations.
Zimmermann was stellar from 2011-2014 and compiled a 53-33 record with a 3.00 ERA in 122 starts. He was also a two-time All-Star over that span and helped the Washington Nationals to the playoffs twice.
But 2015 was a different story. In Zimmermann's contract year the right-hander went just 13-10 with a 3.66 ERA and 1.21 WHIP - his worst ERA and WHIP in a season in which he made at least 26 starts. In his defense, although it's no excuse, the Nationals underperformed as a whole and were one of the most disappointing MLB clubs.
Nonetheless, Zimmermann's down year is unlikely to dissuade teams from signing him. The 29-year-old has made at least 32 starts in each of the past four seasons and averaged 202 innings of work each year. He finished top-five in the NL Cy Young voting in 2014 after going 14-5 with a 2.66 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 182 strikeouts in 32 starts (199 2/3 innings). The only aspect that may affect his standing is if the Nationals present him with the qualifying offer, which would attach draft pick compensation to him in free agency.
And let's not forget both the Cubs and Dodgers were mentioned in trade rumors involving Zimmermann, which may foreshadow him being in their free agency plans.
The Cubs need to bolster their depth beyond Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta while the Dodgers need to replace the potential loss of Zack Greinke and also add depth as they wait for Brandon McCarthy to return from Tommy John surgery in mid-2016.
"Perhaps no team improved more than the Cubs this year, but the NLCS illuminated a need for another starting pitcher or two. David Price, Zack Greinke and Johnny Cueto should be pitchers they consider, and Jordan Zimmermann, from neighboring Wisconsin, is someone who's piqued their interest in the past," writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
"If the Dodgers were to lose Greinke, expect them to be aggressive in an attempt to sign David Price and/or Jordan Zimmermann via free agency," adds ESPN Insider Jim Bowden. "Greinke is a top-of-rotation starter, and they'll either get him back or try to sign another ace."
It's still very possible Zimmermann inks a $100 million deal and the Cubs/Dodgers are certainly the clubs to write those types of checks. There are a number of other teams that could be in the running for Zimmermann as well, including the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals, according to Jeff Todd of MLBTradeRumors.com.
"Didn't have a great season, but 'he cares,' according to one National League scout. 'He really competes. Tough guy. You take your chances with him. He'll step up to the moment,'" Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe wrote after talking to eight MLB personnel regarding the league's top impending free agents.
Although Zimmermann is being overshadowed by David Price, Zack Greinke and others, he's still expected to get a lot of attention on the open market. Don't be surprised if he ends up getting a lucrative contract with a contending club.
