Major League Baseball

Sanchez's deal with Tigers has $16 million option

Published Dec. 18, 2012 10:57 p.m. ET

foxsports

Detroit's deal with right-hander Anibal Sanchez could be worth $91 million if the Tigers decide to keep him for a sixth year.

Sanchez agreed to an $80 million, five-year deal to return to Detroit, which includes a $5 million buyout if the Tigers decline his option. If Detroit exercises his option for 2018, he would make $16 million that year.

According to contract terms obtained by The Associated Press, Sanchez's signing bonus is $4 million. He'll receive $8 million in 2013, $15 million in 2014 and $16 million a year from 2015-17.

The Tigers acquired Sanchez from Miami in a midseason deal, sending top pitching prospect Jacob Turner to the Marlins.