Cole Hamels and the remaining pitching options

Trade for Jordan Zimmermann

Oct 4, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) is taken out of the game in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants in game two of the 2014 NLDS playoff baseball game at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

A slightly cheaper trade acquisition may be longtime Nationals front man Jordan Zimmermann. Zimmermann is entering a walk year and on a Nationals team stacked with talent, there may not be room for him beyond this year. Washington has a stacked rotation already and stud prospect Lucas Giolito knocking at the door of the Major League roster. It seems likely Washington will move a pitcher,and Boston has young players or veterans to offer the Nationals.

Zimmermann is a little riskier given that he can leave at the end of the year, but at 28 he is three years younger than Lester and it is possible that the Red Sox would be more willing to offer him a long term deal. But it is also possible that the Nationals, who will be a playoff team next year, will hold onto their ace even if it means losing him.

If he can be had, Zimmermann may be the best candidate for the Red Sox to trade for. He is young and talented and doesn’t carry an enormous price tag in a trade, but for these reasons he also may end up staying in Washington.