The Detroit Tigers released a statement today on twitter saying that 2013 AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer had rejected a “substantial, long-term contract” from the team. Scherzer’s agent is claiming it was the team who rejected the pitcher’s offer.
Scherzer, 29, would have become one of baseball’s highest paid pitchers according to the statement. Contract talks between the two sides have broken off.
Tigers Statement on Max Scherzer pic.twitter.com/kTUpgtO1ZV
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) March 23, 2014
It is odd for a professional team to announce that failed contract talks in this manner, especially with Scherzer under contract for this season.
“The Detroit Tigers have made a substantial, long-term contract extension offer to Max Scherzer that would have placed him among the highest paid pitchers in baseball, and the offer was rejected,” said the statement. “As we have reiterated, it has been the organization’s intent to extend Max’s contract and keep him in a Tigers uniform well beyond the 2014 season. While this offer would have accomplished that, the ballclub’s focus remains on the start of the upcoming season and competing for a World Championship. Moving forward, there will be no further in-season negotiation and the organization will refrain from commenting on this matter.”
Scherzer had been steadfast with his deadline of Opening Day to work out a new deal and is coming off a season that saw him post a 21-3 record. 2.90 ERA and 240 strikeouts.
The Tigers say there will be no “in-season” talks between the two sides, which would have appeared obvious by Scherzer’s deadline.
Detroit acquired Scherzer from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three team deal with the New York Yankees prior to the 2010 season.
In his four seasons with the Tigers, Scherzer is 64-30 with a 3.62 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP.
Scherzer is believed to have rejected a deal worth $24 million a season.
In an interview with ESPN, Scherzer’s agent, Scott Boras said it was the Tigers who turend down the deal. Boras said that extension talks were halted until after the season.
