Anibal Sanchez narrows choice to Cubs, Tigers

Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports

It might seem they can't afford to keep free-agent starter Anibal Sanchez.

The right-handed pitcher is giving the Tigers a chance to better the Cubs' five-year offer.

Right-handed pitcher Anibal Sanchez has narrowed his choice to the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers, Sanchez's agent said Thursday evening.

Sanchez, considered the No. 2 pitcher on the free-agent market behind Zack Greinke came close to accepting a five-year deal by the Cubs for about $75 million, but the Tigers asked for a chance to make an offer and Sanchez agreed.

"He has not decided," Sanchez's agent, Gene Mato, told USA TODAY Sports.. "Negotiations are ongoing."

Sanchez, 29, was 9-13 with a 3.86 ERA combined with the Tigers and Miami Marlins last season. He has a 48-51 career record with a 3.75 ERA. He has never pitched 200 innings, with only one winning season since 2006. Yet, he pitched well down the stretch for The Tigers. He was 2-2 with a 2.43 ERA in September. He also was 1-2 with a 1.77 ERA in the postseason, striking out 18 batters with six walks.

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