Report: Tigers Re-Sign Hanrahan To 'Minor League Deal ... With Major-League Money'
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - The Detroit Tigers have re-signed reliever Joel Hanrahan to a one-year deal, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. If Hanrahan stays healthy, he will make $3.5 million.
Hanrahan originally signed with the Tigers on May 2, at which point Hanrahan's agent Larry Reynolds said the pitcher could be ready in five to eight weeks. The 33-year-old had missed nearly the entire 2013 season following Tommy John surgery and ended up missing the 2014 season as well.
When he suffered the injury that necessitated surgery in 2013, Hanrahan was coming off back-to-back All-Star seasons.
Despite efforts by the team to amp up its bullpen last season, the group ranked by ERA as one of the worst in baseball. All acquired in 2014, closer Joe Nathan could not replicate his stellar 2013 season, Joakim Soria suffered an injury, and Joba Chamberlain struggled late in the year. The Tigers had also lost Bruce Rondon for the season in spring training.
The #Tigers and veteran reliever Joel Hanrahan have agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract, plus $2.5 million in roster active bonuses.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 14, 2014
So as long as @hanrahan52 stays healthy he will earn $3.5 million from #Tigers
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 14, 2014
The #Tigers minor league deal with Hanrahan gives them 3 late inning All Star relievers with closing experience: Nathan, Soria, Hanrahan.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 14, 2014
Yes, minor league deal for Hanahan with major-league money. #Tigers.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 14, 2014
The Tigers won the American League Central Division for a fourth straight year in 2014 but got swept in the American League Division Series.