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The Los Angeles Dodgers are eyeing Jordan Zimmerman as their top target during the off-season, according to USA Today.
The starting pitcher turned down a qualifying offer from the Washington Nationals, which makes him a free agent. If the Dodgers are able to sign Zimmerman, they’d have to forfeit a draft pick to the Nationals. Los Angeles is also in the chase for Zack Greinke and David Price. Greinke opted out of the final three years of his contract with the Dodgers and he wants to be possibly the highest paid pitcher in MLB. Price is going to get a hefty contract wherever he goes. Zimmerman will likely be a much more affordable contract than the other two starters.
The #Dodgers, in their quest for marquee starting pitching, have identified free agent Jordan Zimmermann as one of their top targets.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 21, 2015
Zimmerman is coming off his worst season since 2010. The 29-year-old finished the year with 13-10 record but a 3.66 ERA. The right-hander racked up 164 strikeouts and surpassed the 200-inning plateau for the second time in his seven-year career. Overall, he owns a great 70-50 record. The Nationals didn’t live up to expectations this year and will have Dust Baker as their new manager next season. His solid career as a skipper might not be enough for Zimmerman to stay. It all will likely come down to which team offers the most money for the most years. Since Zimmerman is 29, this could be his biggest contract of his career.
The Dodgers were fifth in team ERA. If they lose Greinke, that ranking will certainly change despite having Clayton Kershaw at the top of the rotation. The San Francisco Giants have Madison Bumgarner and could potentially be the landing spot for Greinke. This would put the Giants at the forefront to put an end to L.A.’s three-year streak as the National League West champions. In the postseason, it was Greinke, Kershaw and nothing for the Dodgers. They have a lot of big salaries on the team and know if they want to get back to October, they’ll need at least another stud pitcher or two to replace Greinke.
The Nats were seventh in MLB with a 3.62 ERA. If they lose Zimmerman, the depth will certainly take a hit. Stephen Strasburg never can stay healthy throughout a season. Doug Fister is a free agent and is likely going to sign a contract somewhere else.
