Report: Red Sox Talked to Anibal Sanchez Before Right-Hander Signed $80 Million Deal With Tigers

The Red Sox still need starting pitching, but it’s obvious they’re not willing to just throw cash around.

The Tigers reportedly inked Anibal Sanchez to a five-year, $80 million deal on Friday. Before Sanchez signed the big contract, however, the Red Sox talked to the right-hander, according to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman. The Sox reportedly weren’t willing to go as high as $80 million, though.

The Red Sox have been adamant about not wanting to make long-term commitments this offseason. In addition to showing restraint with Sanchez, they also wouldn’t go beyond three years with Josh Hamilton, who reportedly signed a five-year, $125 million deal with the Angels on Thursday.

Sanchez’s deal shows just how desperate teams are for quality starters. The righty has been a solid hurler through his seven-year career, but his contract is clearly a reflection of the current market.

Sanchez, who will turn 29 in February, went 9-13 with a 3.86 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP in 31 starts split between the Marlins and Tigers last season. In his career, Sanchez is 48-51 with a 3.75 ERA in 145 appearances (144 starts).

Sanchez actually started out in the Red Sox organization when he signed as an amateur free agent back in 2001. He was then dealt to the Marlins in 2005 as part of the deal that brought Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to Boston.