Nationals Agree To Long-Term Deal With Ryan Zimmerman

The Washington Nationals and All-Star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman agreed to a long-term contract extension Sunday morning, according to multiple reports.

The six-year, $100-million deal includes a club option for a seventh year and could keep the 27-year-old Zimmerman in a Washington uniform until 2020, CSNWashington.com reports.

The two sides talked late into the night, making enough progress for Zimmerman to extend a Saturday deadline that coincided with the start of full-squad workouts. The 27-year-old third baseman wanted to get a deal done or shelve the talks for now so his contract situation wouldn't be a distraction to the team, which has high hopes in the NL East this season.

The final hurdle to getting the deal done was a no-trade clause for Zimmerman, The Washington Post reports.

Zimmerman was the team's first draft pick after the Montreal Expos moved to Washington in 2005 and quickly became the face of the franchise. He was an NL All-Star while also capturing Gold Glove in 2009. In 2009 and 2010, he was a Silver Slugger award winner.

Last season, Zimmerman was limited by injuries to 395 at-bats. He hit .289 with 12 homers, 21 doubles and 49 RBIs.

The Nats were anxious to lock up Zimmerman long-term so he can play alongside No. 1 draft picks -- and potential superstars -- Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper.

Zimmerman had two seasons left on a $45 million, five-year contract.