Detroit Tigers and Max Scherzer Avoid Arbitration

The Detroit Tigers and Max Scherzer have agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth $6.7 million for the 2013 season. Last month, it was reported that the Tigers were offering a deal of $6.05 million, while Scherzer was requesting $7.4 million for a one year deal.

In the end the Tigers and Scherzer were able to come to an agreement in the middle of the two salaries proposed. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski is very proud of the fact that his club has yet to enter into arbitration with any player since he’s taken over in Detroit. This was very close to ending that streak.

Scherzer finished 2012 with a 16-7 record with a 3.74 ERA, impressive numbers that ultimately got him a big one-year deal. This was the last big piece of business the Tigers absolutely had to get taken care of before the start of spring training.

The Tigers rotation is so stacked that they just spent $6.7 million on a fourth starter. This was a huge win for both Scherzer and the Tigers because Scherzer got paid, and the Tigers get to keep a phenomenal talent that would be a number-two starter on most clubs.

I anticipate another great year from Scherzer with maybe 15-17 wins and a ton of strikeouts. Last year, he was only behind Justin Verlander in strikeouts so he can mow them down with the best in Major League Baseball. With this deal getting done, it’s pretty much down to the players to get out there and perform.

A long winter is about to come to an end and baseball is about kick back into gear for another long an beautiful season. The front office has done its job to put a quality team out there and now it’s time to see it all come together.