- The Washington Times - Wednesday, November 17, 2021

One of the many questions facing the Washington Nationals this offseason is whether to bring back first baseman Ryan Zimmerman.

Zimmerman, the face of the franchise since the team arrived in the District in 2005, said on 106.7 The Fan Wednesday morning that he is “planning on playing” this upcoming season.

“But we’ll see what happens,” he added. “No decisions either way yet.”

Zimmerman, who received a standing ovation from the fans at Nationals Park during the team’s final home game in October, was the team’s backup first baseman last season and posted solid numbers — 14 home runs and 46 RBIs in 273 plate appearances.

General manager Mike Rizzo said at the end of last season that he hopes Zimmerman, 37, returns for a 17th season.

“[He] has a place on this roster,” Rizzo said. “Whenever he wants to take a major-league contract, just call me up and we’ll give him one.”

Formerly an All-Star, Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner, Zimmerman’s most valuable asset now is as a platoon player.

In 2021, Zimmerman smashed lefties, hitting .291 with a .582 slugging percentage.

Zimmerman is 16 homers away from 300 and 154 base hits shy of 2,000. 

• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.

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