Detroit Tigers’ pitching rotation after signing Anibal Sanchez – MLB News
Late on Thursday evening, the Detroit Tigers and free agent Anibal Sanchez signed on a five year $80 million contract. Although the Tigers have not made an official announcement as yet, various Major League Baseball sources have confirmed the news.
Sanchez posted one of his career best seasons last year. After moving to Detroit from Seattle Mariners as part of a mid season trade, Sanchez displayed some top quality throwing skills to make a name for himself.
“In seven of his last eight regular-season starts for the Tigers, Sanchez allowed three or fewer runs. In his 12 overall starts for the Tigers, from July through September, Sanchez had a 3.74 ERA. He was even better during the playoffs: 1.77 ERA in three
postseason games, the product of a multiple-pitch repertoire which, combined with control and command, made the Tigers yearn for him to be a long-term presence”, said Tony Paul of Detroitnews.com in his post.
“The Tigers, though, already had added to a heavy payroll when they last month signed Hunter to a $26 million contract,” he added.
Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski and Manager Jim Leyland were really impressed with what they saw from Sanchez in the World Series against the San Francisco Giants. Although the Tigers were swept in that series, Sanchez was recognised as a rare pitching
talent.
As the season ended, a number of Major League Baseball teams started to show interest in Sanchez. Being a free agent, Sanchez had the opportunity to see what the open market had to offer. He initially demanded a five year $90 million contract and the Tigers
continued to wait.
According to sources, Sanchez also wanted to come back to Detroit as he loved to be part of the club. However, he also wanted to secure a long term deal, which the Tigers offered him late on Thursday.
With Sanchez in their pitching lineup, the Tigers are undoubtedly the favourites to win the next year’s American League Central Division title. Over the last couple of weeks, the Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals have combined to
add five pitchers to their rotation but it seems it is still all about the Tigers.
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