Ryan Zimmerman's Complicated Contract

Before the Washington Nationals and third baseman Ryan Zimmerman agreed to a $150 million contract extension, the two sides were working on finding "creative solutions" to bridge the gap between themselves. Luckily for us, Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington broke down the contract details and what the two sides to find these "creative solutions."

Since Zimmerman had a contract through 2013, the extension doesn't kick-in until the 2014 season. From there on, Zimmerman will earn $14 million annually until the 2019 season, in which he will make $18 million.

The club also holds a $18 million club option for 2020 or they can opt to decline the option for $2 million. All in all, Zimmerman is guaranteed $116 million but can earn $132 million if the Nationals decide to exercise the seventh year of the deal.

But wait, there's more! Apparently, Zimmerman has a personal services clause in his contract that calls for him to earn $10 million over five years after his playing days are over to work for the organization. There's another $8 million still remaining, though, since the total value is $150 million.

Zimmerman can make the "missing" $8 million through a trade kicker. While he does have a no-trade clause in his contract, it doesn't kick-in until 2014, meaning there is a less than 1% chance he gets traded.

Congratulations, Ryan Zimmerman, on receiving the second largest contract in the history of baseball for a third baseman.