MLB trade rumors: Nationals interested in Jordan Zimmermann trade

The Washington Nationals appear to be interested in trading for their once highly regarded starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

Zimmermann left the Nats following the 2015 season when he signed a five-year, $110 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. Zimmermann went 70-50 with a 3.32 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 7.4 K/9 in 178 career starts in D.C. However, the right-hander has been unable to find that top-level rotation arm form since going to the Tigers.

Zimmermann, 31, is coming off the worst season of his career, where he went 8-13 with a 6.08 ERA in 28 starts, along with a 1.55 WHIP and 5.8 K/9. In his two seasons in Detroit, he has combined for a 17-20 record with a 5.60 ERA in 48 appearances (47 starts).

The trade possibility comes at a time where the Tigers are looking to shed some payroll as they head into this offseason. Due to his struggles, Detroit would surely have to eat a significant portion of his contract, where he is owed $74 million over the next three seasons. Still, Detroit would love to part ways with a starter who has failed to find himself since signing a large contract with the club.