Anibal Sanchez Reaches Agreement with Tigers: Five Years $80 Million

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Sanchez opted to re-sign with the Tigers instead of the Cubs

The Detroit Tigers and free-agent righthander Anibal Sanchez reached agreement on a five-year deal worth $80 million.

The Chicago Cubs offered Sanchez $77 million, but the Tigers increased the offer and Sanchez opted for return to Detroit.

The Tigers acquired Sanchez in a trade with the Miami Marlins this past July, along with Omar Infante for pitching prospect Jacob Turner, and Rob Brantly and Brian Flynn.

Sanchez was pursued by at least five other teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals.

Sanchez, 28, was 9-13 with a 3.86 ERA combined with the Tigers and Miami Marlins last season.

Sanchez  re-joins a Tigers rotation that features Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Doug Fister.

They also will have Rick Porcello and Drew Smyly competing for the fifth spot.

Last month the Tigers signed outfielder Torii Hunter to a two-year deal worth $26 million.

With an already potent offense that features,  Miguel Cabrera and  Prince Fielder  combined with a quality pitching staff, the Tigers will be favorites again to win the American League Central Division