Report: Ryan Zimmerman Says He's Close On A Deal With The Nationals

Ryan Zimmerman has told reporters that he is close to a contract extension with the Washington Nationals, according to Tim Kurkjian of ESPN.

[tweet https://twitter.com/Kurkjian_ESPN/status/173065689995816960 align='center']

The 27-year-old third baseman had given the Nationals until Saturday to come to terms on an agreement for a deal that would keep him in Washington well into his 30’s. While he is still under contract through the 2013 season, he has said he doesn’t want negotiations to impact his play during the regular season.

It was initially believed that Zimmerman would seek a Troy Tulowitzki sized contract extension, however, recent reports indicate that he may be willing to take less to give the team a hometown discount. Zimmerman grew up in Virginia and played his college ball for UVA.