One of the biggest stories this baseball offseason could be Yankees starter C.C. Sabathia’s opt out clause.
However, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees may choose not to bring back C.C. if the demand for a new contract goes beyond five years and $120 million.
Beyond this, if Sabathia hits the open market there will still be plenty of teams outside of the Boston Red Sox vying for the services of the still talented left-handed pitcher.
It’s assumed that the Yankees will make a strong push for impending free agent LHP C.J. Wilson of the Rangers so the Rangers themselves could become very involved in the services of Sabathia.
Jason A. Churchill also thinks that it isn’t beyond the realm of possibility that the Tigers make a pitch for Sabathia. Currently the Tigers have zero left-handed starters in the rotation and really none waiting in the minors. Because of this it seems very conceivable that the Tigers could be interested especially when you add-on to the fact that Tigers owner Mike Ilitch said he is willing to increase payroll next season.
Going into next season the Tigers’ rotation will consist of Justin Verlander, Doug Fister, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello. Detroit more than likely will not bring back Brad Penny so there will definitely be an open spot that they’ll need to fill. As far as internal options go the Tigers could offer the spot to the team’s top pitching prospect in Jacob Turner. Turner however could use more seasoning in the minors.
Would the Tigers be willing though to pay $120 million dollars over the next five years for a pitcher that looks to be on the downside of his career? I’d say probably not but the intrigue of playing in a very friendly pitchers park and in a division that’s very winnable could help give the Tigers some leverage in negotiations.
Ref: ESPN, BeatoftheBronx.com (image)