Update Nov. 29, 11:04am CST – According to Jon Heyman, the Tigers and Jordan Zimmermann have reached an agreement on a contract. Heyman’s report has not been confirmed by another outlet. And possible terms of the contract have not been released. It does appear that Jordan Zimmermann will be signing with the Detroit Tigers.
Update Nov. 29, 11:22am CST – According to Jon Paul Morosi, Jordan Zimmermann and the Tigers agreed to terms on a five-year, $110 million contract.
The first of the big name free agent pitchers may be getting ready to come off the board. According to a report from Jon Paul Morosi, the Tigers are in serious talks with RHP Jordan Zimmermann.
Morosi did not go into much detail other than multiple sources indicated to him and Ken Rosenthal the Tigers in serious discussions with Zimmermann on a contract.
Zimmermann is believed to be on the Cubs’ list of free agent starting pitchers. The Dodgers have reportedly been focused on Zimmermann in recent days. But talks with the Tigers have apparently advanced.
Jordan Zimmermann is coming off somewhat of a down year, but is looking at a rather large contract. Zimmermann is expected to sign a five- to six-year deal in the $110-140 million range. Zimmermann rejected the Nationals’ qualifying offer and is attached to draft pick compensation.
The 29-year old right hander was 13-10 in 33 starts with a 3.66 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. In 201 2/3 innings, Zimmermann allowed 89 runs, 82 earned, on 204 hits with 39 walks and 164 strikeouts. Last season was the first time Zimmermann has allowed more hits than innings pitched in a full season during his career.
Zimmermann was 14-5 in 32 starts in 2014 with a 2.66 ERA and 1.07 WHIP.
Over the past four years, Zimmermann has made at least 32 starts with 195-plus innings. Zimmermann has completed 200 or more innings in two of the last four years.
It’s unclear where Jordan Zimmermann ranks on the Cubs list of free agent pitchers that includes David Price, Zack Greinke, Jeff Samardzija and John Lackey.
Update 11:32pm CST – MLB.com’s Jason Beck confirmed the Tigers could be closing in a on contract with Jordan Zimmermann. The two sides are talking and the discussions have become more serious but “no deal is believed to have been finalized.”
Update Nov. 29, 8:24am CST – Link to full report from Jon Paul Morosi
Stay Tuned, will update report if more information becomes available.