MLB Rumors: Jordan Zimmermann, Detroit Tigers Agree on a New Contract
Free agent pitcher Jordan Zimmermann finally found a new home with a matching lucrative contract on Sunday when he reached an agreement to play for the Detroit Tigers; the said contract is reportedly worth $110 million for five years. The deal is pending confirmation and will officially be announced when the right hander passes the physical exam.
The two-time All-Star had an impressive stint with the Washington Nationals, a team which he made 178 career starts and ended up with 70-50 along with 3.32 ERA.
This news of Zimmermann's signing is the highlight of an otherwise silent and slow offseason for the entire league.
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The 2007 second round draft pick of the Nationals is known for having a no-hitter in 2014, which actually was the Nationals' first ever in its history, in a win against the Miami Marlins. He also co-led the National League in terms of wins a season before that in 2013.
He will be joining a Detroit squad with Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez in the rotation. The Tigers are actually desperate to turn things around next season after finishing last in the American League Central. Aside from Zimmermann, the team is also hoping to sign other big name starters.
As of the moment, though, they will have to look for someone from their very young squad to fill the fifth spot in time for offseason training. The choices include Shane Greene, Matt Boyd, and Daniel Norris. Not a single one of them, though, has the kind of experience and caliber of Zimmermann.
In fact, several baseball observers believe that Zimmermann's deal is the first big contract to be signed this offseason that will give the team an immediate upgrade to its lineup. Before reaching an agreement with Detroit, Zimmermann actually rejected the $15.8 million qualifying offer from the Nationals.
It is also worth mentioning that the Tigers will officially lose their second round draft pick with the signing.
