Zimmermann happy to sign quickly as Tigers' top choice

Jordan Zimmermann might not be considered a number one starter, but he was the Detroit Tigers' top choice to step into their rotation this off-season, which made it easy for both parties to move quickly on a deal.

The Tigers announced the arrival of free agent Zimmermann on Monday, with the former Washington Nationals pitcher reportedly set to earn $110million over five years in the MLB.

Some eyebrows were raised when the 29-year-old right-hander agreed to join the Tigers, the reason being that he might have been able to reel in a bigger deal once the top-tier starters found new homes.

But at his unveiling as a Tigers player on Monday, Zimmermann said he preferred to lock in on a destination quickly, regardless of what future market moves might have done to his value.

The Tigers were in touch with his agent, Mark Pieper, from the opening day of free agency, and the deal came together quickly.

"I didn't want to wait for January into February, I wanted to sign early," Zimmermann said.

"We knew what my value was. I just thought it was a good fit.

"One of the biggest things is that they had me as a No. 1 target. I was a second and a third option for others. I wanted to sign early. I know this is a great place to pitch."

The career National also noted that while he was clearly a fall-back option for other teams still weighing whether they would be able to sign the likes of David Price, Zack Greinke or Johnny Cueto, he appreciated Detroit making him a priority.

"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," he said.

Zimmermann rejected a qualifying offer from the Nationals after boasting a 13-10 record with a 3.66 ERA and 164 strikeouts in just over 201 innings in the MLB last season.

During his seven-year career, all of which has been spent with the Nationals, Zimmermann is 70-50 with a 3.32 ERA.

Tigers general manager Al Avila added: "This is one area where -- when our scouts were here and we had the year-end meetings and the names were on the board -- Jordan was our top target. This is really a dream come true. In this situation, I don't know if it's rare or not. He was No. 1 on everyone's list. It's pretty reassuring.

"Part of the reason it got done quickly was because this is where he wanted to play. That's an advantage. We just love this guy. ... 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."