Detroit Tigers avoid arbitration with 2013 Cy Young winner, Max Scherzer

Oct 19, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (37) gets set to pitch during the third inning in game six of the American League Championship Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

It isn’t every day that the current AL Cy Young Award winner has a contract that is up in the air, but that was the exact scenario for the Detroit Tigers and Max Scherzer as of Friday morning. Then, the two teams (finally) agreed on a short-term deal that will give Scherzer a substantial raise.

scherzer/tigers agreement at $15.525 for '14 doesn't mean they wont try to do multiyear. det hopes to lock up miggy & max
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 17, 2014

As reported by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Tigers and Scherzer agreed to a 1-year, $15.525 million deal for 2014, but despite the lofty raise (Scherzer made only $6.725 million in 2013), it doesn’t exactly close the door on any other scenario for Scherze. There has been widespread speculation that the Tigers could look to move Scherzer at what is perceived to be his “peak” value, or in perhaps a more optimal scenario, they could sign him to a long-term deal in Detroit.

The 2014 season will be Scherzer’s last under full control in Detroit, and while $15.525 million may seem like a lot, it pales in comparison to the long-term deals signed by Justin Verlander and most recently, Clayton Kershaw. Stay tuned to see what the long-term outlook is for Scherzer, but at least he knows the minimum baseline for 2014.

Home/Detroit Tigers