Door is open for Ryan Zimmerman to return to Washington Nationals

Ryan Zimmerman has a decision to make. The long time Washington Nationals infielder is undecided about whether or not he wants to come back for a 17th major league season, weighing a desire to spend more time with his family against a chance to return to the only franchise he has ever known.

If Zimmerman does want to come back for one more year, the door is open. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said that as long as he is running the show, Zimmerman has a major league contract waiting for him.

The door is open for Ryan Zimmerman to return to Washington Nationals

While Zimmerman has not played nearly as much as he had during his peak, he was still a solid bench option in Washington. He produced a solid 104 OPS+ in his 273 plate appearances, hitting 14 homers and 16 doubles. There is still a bit of thunder left in that bat.

Zimmerman would also have a role on the team in 2022. With the designated hitter expected to become universal next year, Zimmerman could end up in a platoon in that role. He was able to crush lefties last season, producing a  .291/.319/.582 batting line with seven homers and 11 doubles in his 116 plate appearances, although he struggled against righties.

He would also be valuable for more than his production on the diamond. The Nationals are hoping to reload, but will still have quite a few younger players on their roster. Zimmerman’s veteran presence and leadership would not only help as those players develop at the major league level, but he could also help Juan Soto take on more of a leadership role with the team.

But it all comes down to want he wants to do. At 37 years old, and after 20 years in professional baseball, his time is coming to an end. However, for as long as Zimmerman wants to remain in the game, he will have a spot with the Nationals.

Ryan Zimmerman is unsure as to whether or not he wants to return for the 2022 season. If he does, the Washington Nationals have a contract waiting.