The Detroit Tigers looked like they had arguably the best rotation in baseball last season after a deadline day deal landed them David Price. Now, however, they are facing the prospect of a re-made rotation when the 2015 season begins.
Rick Porcello was traded to the Boston Red Sox this offseason, and Alfredo Simon was traded for to replace him. The Tigers also dealt for New York Yankees right-hander Shane Greene. Max Scherzer is not currently listed in their rotation because he's a free agent, but reports are out that a return to Detroit isn't out of the question.
Jason Beck of MLB.com said that previous statements about the Tigers missing their best chance to re-sign Scherzer, which was last spring before the season began, should be ignored due to Scott Boras' history.
"And yet, none of the parties involved have ruled out a reunion," Beck wrote. "They know better after all the deals Boras has done with owner Mike Ilitch and all the times Ilitch has rewarded players who win for him."
Scherzer is the best pitcher remaining on the market. He continued to dominate his opposition after a Cy Young-winning campaign in 2013 with an 18-5 record last season. Scherzer posted a 3.15 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and struck out 10.3 batters per nine innings. He's also shown durability to go with his wicked array of pitchers, surpassing the 200-inning mark for the second consecutive season.
It's unclear at the moment which teams, if any, are in hot pursuit. The Yankees have been quiet this offseason, focusing mostly on shoring up a bullpen that lost closer David Robertson to free agency. The Boston Red Sox can use pitching help, but have already spent major money acquiring 3B Pablo Sandoval and SS Hanley Ramirez.
The San Francisco Giants have been rumored as a possible landing spot, but they already have an ace in Madison Bumgarner.
Scherzer is rumored to be seeking upward of $200 million on his next contract.
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