Embed from Getty Images Free agency is a gamble. The Detroit Tigers have signed players who have elevated their own play as well as the play of the team. Unfortunately that has not been the case with pitcher Jordan Zimmermann.
The Detroit Tigers have placed veteran right handed pitcher Jordan Zimmermann on the 45 day injured list with a right forearm strain. Prior to the 2016 season, the Tigers signed Zimmermann to a five year $110 million dollar contract. Zimmermann looked dominant first month in Detroit. Then it started to fall apart.
Last season Jordan Zimmermann went 1-13 with a 6.91 ERA. The MLB season is 60 games this year due to COVID-19. Zimmermann hopes to return by the end of the 2020 season.
By placing the oft injured pitcher on the 45 day DL and not the 10, (it is said Zimmermann preferred), the Detroit Tigers opened a spot for one of their non roster invitees. This seasons 45 day DL is equivalent to last year’ s 60 day DL.
While it has not worked out for Jordan Zimmermann on the field and his contract looks really bad, there is a silver lining in all of this. Zimmermann has worked and helped other Detroit Tigers pitchers. Michael Fulmer, Matthew Boyd and Daniel Norris to name a few have benefited from Zimmermann’s help and mentorship.
Sometimes free agency works well and when it does not, it sticks out. You can not solely blame Jordan Zimmermann for the unraveling that took place while he has been in Detroit. He simply took the money the Tigers offered.
Jordan Zimmermann was one of the game’s top starting pitchers when he signed a deal with the Detroit Tigers. There is no going back only a look ahead. For both Zimmermann and the Tigers organization. As it seems likely Zimmerman has thrown his last pitch in Detroit.
