DETROIT (AP) – Jordan Zimmermann’s arrival in Detroit is encouraging news for Tigers fans because of what he can bring to the starting rotation – and what his contract signals about the team’s willingness to spend.
Zimmermann was introduced Monday after finalizing a $110 million, five-year contract with the Tigers. He was flanked at the news conference by general manager Al Avila and owner Mike Ilitch, the latter making a rare appearance in front of reporters during a turbulent year for his baseball team.
“I don’t care about spending money,” Ilitch said. “They get the players and I spend and I don’t worry about it, because they have good judgment. We’ve had good teams over the years, and it’s a lot of fun for me.”
Following four straight AL Central titles, the Tigers finished last this year. Detroit traded high-priced stars David Price and Yoenis Cespedes during the season and replaced GM Dave Dombrowski with Avila. With an expensive core of Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander and Victor Martinez that has shown signs of age, it is fair to wonder whether the Tigers missed their window of opportunity to win their first World Series since 1984.
But Detroit has been active early this offseason. The Tigers have also traded for closer Francisco Rodriguez and outfielder Cameron Maybin, and the signing of Zimmermann is an indication that the team still is willing to make a big financial commitment.