MLB Rumors: Washington Nationals Considering Extension for Jordan Zimmerman

The Washington Nationals' pitching staff has been superb through 12 games this season, compiling a team ERA of 1.91.

That number dropped from 1.99 after Gio Gonzalez's seven scoreless innings on Tuesday night against Houston.

Gonzalez was extended this offseason after being acquired from the Athletics, and Mike Axisa of MLBtraderumors.com reports that the Nationals may be considering extending another one of their young starters.

According to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post, the Nationals have "dabbled in preliminary conversations" with SFX, the representatives of 25-year-old Jordan Zimmerman.

Although the team has not officially approached Zimmerman with a long-term deal, they would be open to negotiating such a contract.

Zimmerman had a great mindset when discussing a potential agreement with Washington, saying, "I haven’t talked to the Nationals about it. I’d be interested. I’ll just play it out and see what happens. I’m just going to go out and pitch the way I can pitch. Everything will take care of itself.”

Zimmerman would not be the only starter with a recent extension of between one and three years of service time; he would join a group comprised of Gonzalez, Matt Moore, Clayton Kershaw, Derek Holland, Cory Luebke, Jonathan Niese and Madison Bumgarner.

Holland, Niese and Bumgarner were the only ones of the group to sign deals of four years or more.

Gonzalez cannot become a free agent until 2015, but it would make sense for the Nats to lock him up now.

He will make $2.3 million this season after his first go-around with arbitration this offseason and he could be in line for more next season with another solid campaign in 2012.

Last season, Zimmerman posted a 3.18 ERA over 161.1 innings with an 8-11 record.

He's also off to a hot start so far this season. He owns an 0-1 record with an ERA of 1.29. His WHIP is an astounding 0.786.

In February, Axisa suggested that a three-year pact worth $22-25 million could get an agreement done. The longer the Nationals wait, though, Zimmerman could continue to improve his value.

From a pure business standpoint, it would make the most sense for the team to get a deal done sooner rather than later.

From a baseball standpoint, he'll likely be a National for a nice chunk of the foreseeable future, as Washington won't be stupid enough to let him leave as a free agent.