Tigers “Insulted” Anibal Sanchez with $48 Million Offer
By John Parent
On second thought, maybe the Detroit Tigers are looking for a left handed reliever because they have little hope of using Drew Smyly in that role.
Oct 13, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher
Anibal Sanchezspeaks at a press conference before game one of the 2012 ALCS against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
According to Jon Heyman, the Tigers efforts to re-sign starter Anibal Sanchez have not been met with enthusiasm by Sanchez and his agent.
#tigers a few weeks ago offered anibal sanchez $48M, 4 yrs. Agent told them that offer would insult anibal. Seeks 90M/6
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 3, 2012
Sanchez is looking for a longer and much more expensive deal and he’ll likely get it. Once Zack Greinke signs, Sanchez will be the premier name on the starting pitching market and one of the traditional big spenders (Angels, Rangers, Red Sox, Dodgers) will likely have lots of money to spend and a huge hole to fill.
History says that the Tigers would be willing to add money to the deal for Sanchez, but I am hesitant to think they’d go to six years for any pitcher not named Justin Verlander. GM Dave Dombrowski has said previously that if they cannot keep Sanchez they liely would not pursue another starter.
UPDATE: According to Tigers MLB.com beat writer Jason Beck:
#Tigers still talking with agent for Anibal Sanchez. Source says 4-yr, $48 million offer not accurate.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) December 3, 2012