Nationals: Zimmerman, Ross Sit Out 2020 MLB Season

WASHINGTON, DC — Ryan Zimmerman, a franchise player with the Washington Nationals, and pitcher Joe Ross announced they would not be playing the 2020 Major League Baseball season.

CAA Baseball, a sports agency that represents Zimmerman, posted the following message on its Twitter account Monday afternoon:

"After a great deal of thought and given my family circumstances — three young children, including a newborn, and a mother at high risk — I have decided not to participate in the 2020 season.

"Everyone knows how much it means to me to be part of a team, and I will miss that camaraderie dearly this year. Of course I would love to pursue back-to-back titles. I cannot speak for anyone else, but given the unusual nature of the season, this is the best decision for me and my family, and I truly appreciate the organization's understanding and support.

"To be clear, I am not retiring at this time. I have not decided on my future in baseball past 2020. But this year, I'll be staying safe at home and pulling as hard as anyone for the guys to defend our championship."

Ryan Zimmerman (signed)

Shortly after CAA posted its announcement, the Nationals issued this following statement via its official Twitter account:

"Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross have decided not to participate in the 2020 season for the personal health and safety of themselves and loved ones. We are one hundred percent supportive of their decisions to not play this year.

We will miss their presence in the clubhouse and their contributions on the field.

Mike Rizzo
President of Baseball Operations and General Manager

Zimmerman was the first player the Washington Nationals signed in the 2005 draft, when the franchise moved from Montreal and began playing in D.C. He was part of the 2019 team that defeated the Houston Astros last fall to win the World Series.

Ross was the Nationals' starting pitcher in game five of the 2019 World Series, filling in for pitcher Max Scherzer who was out due to a back injury. Although he was credited with the loss in the game, which the Astros won 7-1, the effort still earned him a World Series ring when the Nationals won the series in game seven.

On March 15, MLB announced that it was delaying the start of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Commissioner Rob Manfred announced June 22 that MLB and the MLB Players Association had come to an agreement to play a 60-game season, with spring training starting this Wednesday, according to CBS Sports.

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— CAA Baseball (@CAA_Baseball) June 29, 2020

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— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) June 29, 2020