Jordan Zimmermann

2013

Subscribe now to see our 2013 outlook.

2012

Zimmermann was the Nationals' most consistent starting pitcher during the 2011 season. He got stronger as the season progressed, something that is typical for pitchers on the mend from Tommy John surgery. He was shut down in September because he reached his innings limit. Zimmermann’s control was impeccable (1.73 BB/9IP) locating his fastball (93.3 mph), slider, curveball and occasional change-up. However, he was somewhat lucky concerning his HR/FB ratio (5.9 percent). His flyball tendencies should lead to more home runs next season, and a slightly higher ERA will likely follow.

2011

Zimmermann's return from Tommy John surgery was a resounding success, as other than a spike in his HR/9IP rate his numbers were remarkably similar in seven 2010 starts to what he put up before getting hurt. In short, the surgery just put his career on pause for 12 months and didn't appear to set back his development, which is excellent news for a team trying to build around its young rotation. With Stephen Strasburg taking his own turn under the knife, Zimmermann will likely be the Nationals' No. 1 starter in 2011, which means you should expect solid numbers everywhere but in the wins category.

2010

Zimmermann posted exceptional numbers for a rookie, even if his ERA didn't reflect it. Any kid who can strike out better than a batter an inning with a better than 3.0 K/BB ratio, and who isn't particularly flyball prone to boot, has a chance to be someone very special. Unfortunately, he won't get a chance to show how special until at least late 2010 thanks to Tommy John surgery, but assuming he eventually regains his form he'll pair up with Stephen Strasburg down the road to give the Nats a truly scary young pitching duo at the head of their rotation.

2009

Zimmermann had no problem adjusting to full season ball in 2008, making it all the way up to Double-A and maintaining a strikeout-an-inning pace, while keeping the ball down in the strike zone and not walking too many batters. Given their recent history with their top pitching prospects you can expect Zimmermann to make his big league debut in 2009 but unlike previous hurlers like Ross Detwiler, Zimmermann might actually be ready to hold his own in the majors. He's got three quality pitches including a plus slider, and it's entirely possible that he'll head into spring training camp in 2010 as the Nationals de facto ace.

2008

The second-round pick had a great 2007 debut in Rookie ball, displaying better-than-expected control to go along with a very good slider and two other quality pitches. He's a few years away from regular major league duty, but as the Nationals showed last year with Ross Detwiler, the organization isn't afraid to give its top prospects a late-season cup of coffee to let them know what's ahead of them. Assuming Zimmerman doesn't suffer a setback in his first exposure to full season ball, he could make his big league debut this September even if he's not ready for a regular spot until 2010.