Washington Nationals icon Ryan Zimmerman, who defended two infield positions (third base and first base) for 17 seasons in the big leagues, recently called it a career.
The league’s official site congratulated him with a tweet, showing a picture of him holding the World Series trophy in 2019.
Congratulations to Ryan Zimmerman on announcing his retirement after 16 seasons and a World Series title with the @Nationals. pic.twitter.com/M4AH82CCyy
— MLB (@MLB) February 15, 2022
The Nats won that World Series in incredible fashion against a very good Houston Astros team, in part thanks to Zimmerman and a budding star: Juan Soto.
For years, Zimmerman earned, with blood, sweat, and tears, a reputation of being “Mr. National”.
Fans absolutely loved him and will surely remember his extensive contributions to the franchise.
But now that he’s gone, he is passing his torch, the leadership of the team, to Soto.
Soto Has A Chance To Be A Nationals Legend, Just Like Zimmerman
Soto, in fact, has a chance of carving himself an even bigger legacy than Zimmerman if he opts to stay in Washington for the long term.
Recent reports suggest that Soto rejected a 13-year, $350 million contract extension offer from the Nats, because he wants to go year by year and maximize his earnings.
Soto is currently three years away from free agency, an instance he has said he wants to reach.
Long story short: he wants to have the ability to choose his own destination.
Soto, who was a legitimate MVP candidate last year by hitting .313/.465/.534 with 29 homers and 111 runs scored, is slated to make around $16.2 million in his second season of arbitration (out of four, before he is a “Super Two” player).
Right now, at 23 years old and already a star, he could easily ask $400 million from the Nationals in extension talks.
The fact he will reach free agency doesn’t necessarily mean he will leave the Nationals.
If he stays for his whole career, fans will surely hold him in a similar place that they do with Zimmerman: a true local hero.
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