Tigers sign deal with Jordan Zimmermann

Mike Ilitch isn’t afraid to spend money. “I’m happy to get this jersey on Opening Day and get to know the guys”. A remodel, if not an overhaul, was necessary for the Tigers, who, after four consecutive AL Central titles, finished last in 2015.

Zimmermann said he was flattered by the Tigers’ pursuit and didn’t want to drag out the process.

Avila already upgraded the bullpen by trading for closer Francisco Rodriguez earlier in the offseason. Indeed, he failed to replicate any of those numbers, walking 10 more men (three intentionally) and striking out 18 fewer in two more innings and, more problematically, allowing 11 more home runs while losing one mile-per-hour off his fastball. He has a full-no trade provision through 2018, then can be dealt to 10 teams without his permission during 2019-20. The deep free-agent starter market helped the Tigers get Zimmermann at a fair price.

Admittedly, although Zimmermann may not be quite as expensive as David Price, Zack Greinke and Johnny Cueto will be, he will still command a pretty hefty payday. The Tigers made their bid for Zimmermann, and he was willing to strike a deal quickly. They would lose their second round pick. I figured, ‘how much do you want?

Zimmermann was the first free agent to sign among the 17 with compensation attached. The last four seasons for the Nationals, he has been around 200 innings and 32 starts per year. The steady Zimmermann likely would slot between Verlander and Sanchez, with Daniel Norris, Buck Farmer and Matt Boyd the candidates for the back end. Alternatively, they could re-sign Doug Fister, who is expected to sign elsewhere, or sign another free agent.

Last night, fans were given reason to believe that their wish might actually come true.

“We’ve always wanted to try to get things done sooner than later”, Avila said. The luxury tax limit is $189 million in 2016.

“I’m supposed to be a good boy and not go over [the threshold]”.

“It means a lot”. A two-time All-Star with the Washington Nationals, he made 178 career starts with the Nats, posting a win-loss record of 70-50. Rizzo also added that the Nationals can “never have enough” good starting pitching – a mantra that materialized when the Nationals added Scherzer to the best statistical rotation in baseball last offseason.

The long-time owner of the Detroit Tigers encourages his front office to sign star players in an attempt to bring a World Series championship to the city of Detroit.