MLB Rumors: Detroit Tigers could look at extension for Rick Porcello?

The Detroit Tigers already opted not to sign one of their starting pitchers to an extension this year. That situation with defending AL Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer devolved in an odd and unexpected manner.

So could the Tigers turn their attention to another extension, this one for a younger and more affordable starting pitcher?

Jason Beck of MLB.com wonders if it is time for the Tigers to look at locking up the 25-year-old Rick Porcello:

"One month into the season, it might be time to think about Rick Porcello in his next-to-last season before free agency, and wonder if there’s still time to buy in.Yes, it’s early. That’s the point.”"

This would be a departure from rumors earlier in the season that the Tigers might be willing to listen to trade offers for Porcello. The sinkerballer is off to an outstanding start in 2014: through five starts he is 4-1 with a 3.66 ERA. In a career that has had some ups and downs, Porcello has not posted a sub-4.00 ERA since his rookie year in 2009.

If the Tigers did lock up Porcello anytime soon it would signal the fact that they are believers in his progress this season and want to sign him before he gets more expensive. It might also be a signal that they are trying to shore up some of the other spots in the rotation to protect themselves as Scherzer pitches the final season of his deal.