Related
Washington Nationals veteran infielder Ryan Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross have decided not to play the 2020 MLB season, according to multiple media reports.
In a statement posted on Twitter announcing his decision, Zimmerman said, "After a great deal of thought and given my family circumstances - three young children, including a newborn, and a mother at high risk - I have decided not to participate in the 2020 season."
"Of course I would love to pursue back-to-back titles. I cannot speak for anyone else, but given the unusual nature of the season, this is the best decision for me and my family, and I truly appreciate the organizations' understanding and support."
"As a team, we're excited because how close-knit that we became all throughout last year," Eaton told 106.7 The Fan. "And I think to be successful in a 60-game sprint, you're really gonna have to have a group of guys that just does not give a crap about anything besides baseball. And I think our clubhouse has that close-knit, you know, group mentality where we're gonna sacrifice everything, there's gonna be a lot of hotels, Xbox, Playstation, and, you know, baseball is basically gonna be it. Try to stay away from everything as possible, try to stay as healthy as possible."
After saying he would play, Eaton added that every ballplayer's situation is different when it comes to deciding whether it is safe for them and their family to play. "From my standpoint, I can't judge anybody," Eaton said on 106.7 The Fan.
"This is a tough situation that everyone has been kinda thrown in," Eaton said. "I think some people are seeing it as 'You know what? Tough situation, just deal with it. Make the best of it. And try to play through some stuff' and other people are (saying) 'You know (not playing) is the best decision for me' and you gotta go with it."
When told Zimmerman and Ross were opting out, Eaton told 106.7 the Fan, "Zim has given his whole life, basically, to the Washington Nationals. And like I said, it's a tough situation. He's got a newborn, he's got a lot of stuff going on with (his) house, hopefully, we'll have him back, if I'm back next year, of course.
"With Joe, you don't know the circumstances. You don't know what may or may not be going on. And hopefully, they stay healthy, and next year, depending on everyone's contract situations they come back healthy and ready to go."
Eaton added, "They're both great people and it's so tough, it's so tough."