Jordan Zimmermann

Jordan Zimmermann is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher known for his career as a starting pitcher with the Washington Nationals and Detroit Tigers. Drafted by the Washington Nationals in the second round of the MLB June Amateur Draft out of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Zimmermann quickly established himself as a promising young arm. He was one of the top prospects in the Nationals system when he made his MLB debut, but after pitching in just 16 games, he tore his UCL. Zimmermann returned to the mound and went on to become one of the most consistent starters in the National League.

During his tenure with the Nationals, Zimmermann averaged 194 innings per year over five seasons, posting a combined 3.14 ERA and 3.30 FIP with strong command. He earned two MLB All-Star selections and co-led the National League in wins. Zimmermann finished among the top seven in Cy Young Award voting during both of those All-Star seasons. The highlight of his time in Washington came when Zimmermann threw the first no-hitter in Nationals history, a 1–0 win over the Miami Marlins. This achievement also marked the first time in MLB history that a no-hitter had been thrown on the final day in two consecutive seasons.

Zimmermann became a sought-after free agent and was the first pitcher to sign a $100 million-plus contract after undergoing Tommy John surgery, agreeing to a five-year, $110 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. He was named the American League's Pitcher of the Month for April after going 5-0 with a 0.55 ERA in his first month with the Tigers. However, injuries, including neck strains and recurring elbow issues, limited his effectiveness in Detroit.

Zimmermann announced his retirement from professional baseball after a 13-year career, finishing with 95 wins, a 4.07 ERA, and 1,271 strikeouts. His career 20.3 bWAR ranks among the highest for pitchers born in Wisconsin.