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Zimmermann on joining Tigers: 'I knew what my value was'

Mark Cunningham / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Detroit Tigers took another step in fortifying what has quickly become a contender in the American League, as the club officially introduced Jordan Zimmermann as the newest member of the club.

The right-hander inked a five-year deal with the club worth roughly $110 million. But in his press conference, the former Washington Nationals hurler said it wasn't so much about the money as it was about the Tigers' commitment to him.

"One of the biggest things is that they had me as a No. 1 target," Zimmermann told reporters Monday. "I was a second and a third option for others. I wanted to sign early. I knew what my value was. I know this is a great place to pitch.

"It means a lot. For these guys to want me that much, I'm excited. I'm happy to get this jersey on Opening Day and get to know the guys."

Since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2009, the 29-year-old pitched more than 200 innings in 2013 and 2015, and danced around the mark in 2012 and 2014.

From 2011 to 2015, Zimmermann established himself as the go-to guy on the rubber for the Nationals, spinning a 3.14 ERA over 971 2/3 innings while striking out 7.3 batters per nine innings.

For Tigers owner Mike Ilitch, it was those numbers, and Zimmermann's interest in joining the club, that propelled him to go after the righty.

"I don't care about the money," Ilitch said in the press conference. "I want the best players."

General manager Al Avila spoke about the process in making Zimmermann a top priority, and how Tiger staffers from scouting to analytics saw him as their top target.

"We just love this guy," he said. "People say he isn't a No. 1 starter. We felt he is at the top end of a rotation, a horse who will take the ball and battle."

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