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Max Scherzer rumors: Tigers feeling pressure to sign Scherzer?

ByHayden Kane|
Oct 2, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (37) pitches during the first inning in game one of the 2014 American League divisional series at Oriole Park against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards.Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (37) pitches during the first inning in game one of the 2014 American League divisional series at Oriole Park against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards.Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Max Scherzer remains the biggest fish in MLB free agency, and rumors are that the Detroit Tigers are feeling the heat to sign him to a new deal.

The Detroit Tigers could have signed Max Scherzer to an extension last off-season. They failed to do so, having an unpleasant exchange with Scherzer’s camp in the process in which both sides accused the other of screwing up negotiations.

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Even with that being the case, however, there is a chance that Scherzer could end up back in Detroit on another long-term deal.

There are clear reasons for the Tigers to feel the need to sign him. David Price is in a contract year and does not appear likely to stay in Detroit. The Tigers might end up trading Price to get some value in return, but that would leave them in need of a staff ace.

Speaking of staff aces, Justin Verlander isn’t one anymore. The Tigers are set to pay him like one for the foreseeable future, but the results simply were not there in 2014. Save for a resurgence in 2015, Detroit cannot count on him to be the ace he was when they signed him to a mega-extension.

For a team that feels it is built to win a World Series right now, that kind of uncertainty in the starting rotation stands to be a big problem. That might motivate the Tigers to pursue Max Scherzer no matter the discomfort that creates in terms of payroll.

Detroit reporter Tony Paul hears that the organization is feeling the pressure to bring Scherzer back.

I’m sure that general manager Dan Dombrowksi and the rest of the Tigers’ front office really appreciate this source sharing that information.

As both sides jockey for potential leverage in contract negotiations, it’s not as if Scherzer can point to a robust market for his services to drive his price up. At least as of yet, there has been little word about teams seriously trying to sign the ace, with most pitching-needy organizations focusing on more cost-efficient options like James Shields.

If the Tigers find a way to offer enough money, a reunion between them and Scherzer is starting to feel more likely.

Scherzer went 18-5 last season with a 3.15 ERA and a 4.0 K/BB ratio. He is one of the few true aces in baseball and will eventually get paid like one, whether it’s by the Tigers or some other team.

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