Tigers Planning To ‘Go Big’ To Bring Back Max Scherzer

The Detroit Tigers appear to have had a change of heart and now want to bring free agent pitcher Max Scherzer back, even though signing him could do long-term harm to their payroll.

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It’s only money, right?

That seems to be the Detroit Tigers’ new mantra when it comes to free agent pitcher Max Scherzer, who could now be returning back to the Motor City now that the team is prepared to “spend big” to do so.

Scherzer, who won the 2013 American League Cy Young award with the Tigers, appeared to be on his way out after the club added David Price at the trade deadline. Despite going 18-5 with a 3.13 ERA this past season, Scherzer has been overshadowed by fellow free agent pitcher Jon Lester, who is expected to make his decision on his future later Tuesday. The Yankees have had lukewarm interest, while the Cardinals have only recently begun to make inroads on the 30-year-old.

If the Tigers indeed “spend big” to re-sign Scherzer, Detroit will also be embarking upon a high-risk, low-reward process in which they will have huge financial commitments to not only Scherzer, but also pitcher Justin Verlander, third baseman Miguel Cabrera and designated hitter Victor Martinez, who signed a four-year deal last month.

Detroit currently has $459.6 million in future payroll commitments between 2016-2024, trailing only the whopping $564.5 million the Dodgers have already earmarked in the same span. Adding Scherzer would help the Tigers in the immediate future, but it could be part of a huge albatross facing the franchise well into the next decade.

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