Tigers finalize $2.5M deal with Chamberlain
The Tigers have finalized their $2.5 million. one-year deal with right-handed reliever Joba Chamberlain.
Chamberlain joins a retooled bullpen that also includes free agent acquisition Joe Nathan. The hard-throwing Chamberlain, whose slide has been inconsistent in recent years, was 2-1 with one save in 45 games and a career-high 4.93 ERA last season for the New York Yankees.
Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski indicated Friday that the team may not make any more major moves this offseason. The Tigers traded slugger Prince Fielder for second baseman Ian Kinsler last month, and their lineup figures to have less power and more speed next year.
Chamberlain missed almost the entire month of May last season because of a strained right oblique. He was limited to 49 games over the previous two years because of elbow and ankle operations.
In additional to his base salary, Chamberlain can earn $500,000 in performance bonuses: $100,000 each for 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 games. He would get $75,000 if he makes the All-Star team.