The Detroit Tigers signed a big name free agent pitcher. They agreed to a contract with Jordan Zimmermann for five years worth $110 million, averaging $22 million per year. What are the Tigers getting in Zimmermann?
Zimmermann started his career in 2009 with the Washington Nationals. In his first year he went 3-5 with an ERA of 4.63 with 92 strikeouts. Zimmermann missed the final two months of that season because he underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in his elbow. The Nationals thought that he was going to miss the whole 2010 season. Zimmermann recovered enough to pitch seven games in 2010. His record was 1-2 with a an ERA of 4.94, the worst of his career to that point. He also had 27 strikeouts.
The best year for him was in 2013. He went 19-9 with an ERA of 3.25 and added 161 strikeouts. Last season Zimmermann went 13-10 with an ERA of 3.66. He could still strike batters out with 164.
The Tigers were looking to add pitching help this offseason. They traded David Price last summer to the Toronto Blue Jays and lost Max Scherzer last offseason. Zimmermann will be an upgrade for them. He is one of the best pitchers in the game at striking batters out. In his career he has 903 strikeouts. Zimmermann will be second in the rotation behind Justin Verlander. The Tigers have an experienced arm in Zimmermann. That should help them win games this season. The pressure won’t be just on Verlander to help guide this team to not only winning the division but a World Series. This was a move that the Tigers had to make to improve their starting rotation even if they are overpaying.
What do you think of the Tigers move to add Jordan Zimmermann?
Thanks Dan for the comment. Yeah it is a great move. It improves the Tigers pitching. Sure they could use another bat in the lineup. There are plenty of those out there. That would help this team go far.