Zimmerman, Nats ink seven-year deal

Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and the Washington Nationals have agreed on a seven-year contract extension, the team said Sunday. The terms of the deal weren't disclosed, but multiple media reports indicated it is worth $100 million with a $24 million team option for the 2020 season. The 27-year-old slugger had two years remaining on a five-year deal signed in 2009. He had indicated he would test the free agent market if a new contract hadn't been reached by the start of 2013 season. "[Zimmerman] has been the face of the Washington Nationals since baseball was returned to Washington," Managing Principal Owner Ted Lerner said. "It's a relief," Zimmerman told the team's Web site. "It's a lot of stuff to work out. It's a big commitment. Things like that don't get done quickly. Both sides worked tirelessly to get this stuff done. Now, we don't have to worry about it anymore." Zimmerman batted .289 with 12 homers and 49 runs batted in last season while missing 60 games due to abdominal surgery. Over his seven-year career with the Nationals, he sports a .288 average with 128 home runs and 498 RBI in 845 games.