Zimmermann, Desmond consider long-term future

WASHINGTON -- Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond and right-hander Jordan Zimmermann are having solid seasons for the Nationals. Entering Saturday's game, Desmond is hitting .273 with 16 home runs, 54 RBIs and 15 stolen bases, while Zimmermann leads the team in victories (13) with a respectable 3.10 ERA.

But neither player is close to getting a contract extension. Zimmermann and the Nationals were talking about going beyond a one-year deal during this past offseason and Spring Training, but they never came close to agreeing to terms. Zimmermann said he didn't want to talk about a contract during the season, but he is willing to talk after the season comes to an end.

Zimmermann, 27, was arbitration eligible last offseason, but later agreed to a one-year deal worth $5.35 million with Washington.

"We worked on stuff this offseason, but nothing really worked out," Zimmermann said. "I just didn't want to talk about it during the season. So I said if we can't reach an agreement, we'll wait until after the season, so that's what we are going to do.

"I like it here. Obviously, it's the only place that I know. It would be nice to stay long term, but it has to be something fair. I'm just not going to do a team-friendly deal just to stay here long term. If it's a fair deal, then obviously, we'll definitely think about it. But I'm not going to give a huge team discount. Just something fair is all I ask."

Desmond, 27, sounded as if he was not in a rush to get an extension. He pointed out that he will be arbitration eligible a few more years before becoming a free agent in 2016.

"It's a win-win all around. I've been [with the Nationals] my whole career," Desmond said. "Do I want to stay here? Yes. But only time will tell when that bridge comes in front of us.

"It's not in my hands. Obviously, if the situation arises and it works out for both sides, we'll cross that bridge when we get there."