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Wire Taps: Jordan Zimmermann signs with Detroit Tigers - What "they're" saying...

The Washington Nationals will receive draft pick compensation for Jordan Zimmermann since they made a qualifying offer which he rejected before signing with the Tigers. What's the baseball world saying about Zimmermann signing in Detroit?

By Patrick Reddington
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

When he spoke to reporters last winter at NatsFest, Jordan Zimmermann said there was still time to work out a long-term extension if the Washington Nationals wanted to give him what he saw as fair market value. He was clear, however, that he wouldn't talk once the season began.

"If it's a fair value, like I have said all along, I would gladly sign," Zimmermann said. "But at the end of the day, it's gotta be something that's fair and if it's not, then I'll be moving on."

Asked if his history with the organization that drafted and developed him would factor into his decision, Zimmermann reiterated his stance.

"We'll see if it's a fair, if we can come up with something that's fair for both sides, then we'll sign the deal. At the end of the day, it's gotta be fair."

The Nationals reportedly made a 5-year/$105M offer, but Zimmermann, who signed a 2-year/$24M the previous winter, played out his final year, predictably rejected the 1-year/$15.8M qualifying offer the Nats made, and on Sunday reportedly signed for five years and $110M with the Detroit Tigers.

So what does the baseball world think of the deal Zimmermann got as the first big-ticket free agent pitcher to sign this winter?

Catch up on the last twenty-four hours of chatter about the Tigers' new starter:

NATS BEAT: Zimmermann's Best of + Zimmermann's spot

• "Now that right-hander Jordan Zimmermann has moved on to the Detroit Tigers, the Nationals must figure out how they will replace the coveted starter." - "Who will take Zimmermann's innings in the Nationals rotation?" - Byron Kerr, MASNSports.com

• "The Tigers are getting a pitcher who over the last five seasons has averaged 31 starts and a 3.14 ERA. He’s one of the more reliable starters out there both in terms of results and durability." - "Appreciating Jordan Zimmermann’s Nationals career" - Chase Hughes, Nats Insider

• "But the reality is the Nationals have moved on to Tanner Roark, Joe Ross and (eventually) Lucas Giolito. There is a plan to fill this significant hole." - "2015 MLB hot stove: The fallout of Jordan Zimmermann signing with the Tigers" - Barry Svrluga, The Washington Post

NATIONAL(S) BEAT: Tigers' new starter; Law's take; Verlander forgets an "N"

• "The deal is long and expensive, if statistics made public are confirmed: five years, $110 million, for a man who turns 30 in May." - "Tigers need heavyweight like Zimmermann" - Lynn Henning, Detroit News

• "Zimmermann rejected a qualifying offer from the Nationals and thus will require Draft pick compensation. However, the Tigers' finish this past season landed them the ninth overall selection in the 2016 Draft, a protected pick." - "Tigers reportedly sign Jordan Zimmermann" - Jason Beck, MLB.com

• "When writing or typing Jordan Zimmermann's name, one must pay extra close attention. That's because of the uncommon spelling of his totally common last name." - "Justin Verlander falls victim to extra 'N' in Jordan Zimmermann's name" - Mark Townsend, Big League Stew - Yahoo Sports

So two "NNs" glad we cleared that up, someone tell Daniel Norris in his van before it's too la---

• "By adding Zimmermann, the team checks off its most crucial need this off-season: A front-line starting pitcher." - "Report: Detroit Tigers ink free agent pitcher Jordan Zimmermann" - Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press

• "The first big domino piece of the offseason has fallen. The Tigers have reached a deal with Jordan Zimmermann, according to reports." - "MLB hot stove: Detroit Tigers nab ex-Washington Nationals ace Jordan Zimmerman" - Mike Vorkunov, NJ.com

• "Zimmermann's velocity was slightly off from the start of 2015, and he changed his approach to emphasize his offspeed stuff, with unfortunate results..." - "Jordan Zimmermann a short-term upgrade for Detroit Tigers" - Keith Law Blog- ESPN

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