Anibal Sanchez chose Tigers over more money elsewhere, according to agent

Before signing a five-year, $80 million deal with the Detroit Tigers, Anibal Sanchez reportedly received an offer worth more money from an unnamed team, according to the Detroit Free Press. The veteran starting pitcher and his agent, Gene Mato, apparently considered a larger offer during the winter meetings. The two also weighed a five-year offer from the Chicago Cubs that was worth $75 million. But Sanchez ultimately decided that he did not want to make a decision purely based on money.

Still, Sanchez's average yearly salary over the next five years, $16 million, is double what he made in 2012. Last season, the right-hander was traded from the Miami Marlins to Detroit in late July. Sanchez, 28, finished with a combined ERA of 3.86. In the postseason, Sanchez was especially clutch for Detroit. He delivered a quality start in all three of his playoff outings and had a 1.77 ERA, although the Tigers ended up losing two of those games.