Wire Taps: Ryan Zimmerman returns to Washington Nationals, as expected; Nats sign veteran infielder + more...

If the Washington Nationals were satisfied with having won it all in 2019, and if they didn’t work hard this offseason to bolster their roster for the defense of their World Series title, would Ryan Zimmerman have considered hanging them up, going out on top after his 15th season in the majors ended with a long-sought-after championship? Luckily for Zimmerman he didn’t have to make that decision. GM Mike Rizzo and Co. have been aggressive again as they’ve build the roster for the 2020 campaign, and that helped Zim decide to come back for a 16th season in the nation’s capital.

“It definitely makes the decision a lot easier,” Zimmerman told reporters in a conference call on Tuesday afternoon, after his 1-year/$2M deal with the Nationals was officially announced.

“I think I’d like to start off by saying it’s nice that we have an ownership group that doesn’t do rebuilds. I think the rebuild is so dumb, for lack of better words. This is the big leagues, you’re supposed to try to win.”

Imagine that. Trying to win each year. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Zim is Back!:

Ryan Zimmerman on electronic sign stealing: ‘It’s the greatest sin that you can do’ - (NBC Sports Washington)
“'If there’s a camera in center field in real time giving people what pitch is coming, that’s obviously crossing the line. I don’t think you would find anyone who would disagree there.'"

Ryan Zimmerman’s past, present and future is with the Washington Nationals - (The Washington Post)
”From this point forward, from now until whenever Ryan Zimmerman retires, he and the Washington Nationals will evaluate their union on a year-to-year basis.”

Zimmerman embraces reduced salary, role in 16th season - (MASN)
”Zimmerman, who has made more than $135 million during his career with the Nationals, didn’t haggle over dollar amounts on this contract.”

Ryan Zimmerman knew this was the Nationals’ plan all along - (NBC Sports Washington)
"One of the easiest negotiations in baseball history concluded in about 10 days once other issues were resolved."

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals agree to one-year contract - (Washington Times)
"Zimmerman was the first draft pick in Nationals franchise history after they moved to Washington from Montreal. He remains the only holdover from the 2005 team, which has earned him the nickname 'Mr. National.'"

Other Nats Stories:

Budweiser Super Bowl ad features Nationals’ World Series celebration - (WaPost)
"Budweiser’s 60-second spot, which was released last week and is intended to challenge stereotypes about Americans, features footage of former Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon and reliever Aaron Barrett celebrating in a champagne- and beer-soaked clubhouse after Washington’s triumph."

Bonifácio has Minors deal with Nats (source) - (MLB.com)
"A former member of the Nationals is returning to the team. Emilio Bonifácio, who played for the club in 2008, signed a Minor League deal, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand."

Roessler uses analytics as one tool to help Nats hitters get better - (MASN)
"Roessler said he marveled at watching a young star like Juan Soto mix with a veteran like Howie Kendrick to move the Nats along in the playoffs."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

‘The hunger is real’: Braves motivated by early playoff exit and Nationals’ World Series win – (The Athletic)
"I think the ultimate kind of jab in the back was Washington beating the Dodgers that night, kind of seeing that unfold. That was pretty emotional. I definitely had a lot of tears; I’m not ashamed to admit that.”

2020 MLB Draft Stock Watch: How The Juco Route Can Pay Off - (Baseball America)
"While he entered the year as a Top 100 draft prospect before pitching an inning for San Jacinto, [Jackson] Rutledge cited an environment that centered specifically on player development as the reason for his explosion up draft boards."

Free Agent Spending By Team: National League - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"Nationals: $316.75MM on 10 players (Stephen Strasburg, Will Harris, Daniel Hudson, Starlin Castro, Yan Gomes, Howie Kendrick, Eric Thames, Asdrubal Cabrera, Ryan Zimmerman and Kyle Finnegan; financial details unclear for Finnegan; top 50 MLBTR signings: four)."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Where do the Phillies fit in a parity-filled National League? - (The Good Phight)
"Objectively, the Phillies added to their 81-win team this off-season. In Zack Wheeler, they added a pitcher who should be worth at least three wins above replacement, and if Didi Gregorius returns to form, that’s a significant upgrade at shortstop."

Edgardo Alfonzo was thinking promotion just as Mets fired him - (NY Post)
"Edgardo Alfonzo is unsure where his next opportunity in baseball lies following his surprise dismissal from the Mets organization this offseason."

MLB Season Preview: How will Isan Díaz adjust to rookie year struggles? - (Fish Stripes)
"Miami called Díaz up and he debuted on August 5 with a flourish. The Puerto Rico native connected against eventual NL Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom for one of his five rookie homers."

Did The Braves Spend Enough To Finally Win A World Series? - (Forbes)
"It’s no masquerade. The Braves business model is set up to win it all. Or is it?"