The Detroit Tigers took one of the first premier talents out of the free agent pool when they inked starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann to a five-year contract for $110 million. After a 2014 season that saw him go 14-5 with a 2.66 ERA and a no-hitter to wrap it up, Zimmermann had a down year. In 2015, Zimmermann pitched to a 13-10 record and a 3.66 ERA. He surrendered a career-high 24 home runs and saw a slight decline from 182 strikeouts in 2014 to 164 in 2015.

With that said, the 29-year-old Zimmermann will turn 30 in May and brings a reliable track record over his last four years, featuring 32 or 33 starts. He's pitched approximately 200 innings per season, and that should not change in his first taste in the American League. While he will lose the normally advantageous pitcher's spot in the batting order, Comerica Park is a ballpark he will like to call home. The spacious dimensions should be to his benefit and help keep some deep flies on the field of play.

The right-hander is leaving the NL East at a bad time. With the Phillies and Braves in a rebuilding phase, the Marlins looking for the right pieces, and the Mets looking for additions to make up for the subtractions in free agency, the Nationals have a chance at contention this year. His new division features some teams that are progressing and the World Series champion Kansas City Royals too. The Tigers have an uphill climb ahead of them and it will be a difficult one.

With his new team, Zimmermann joins a rotation with former ace Justin Verlander. Unfortunately, injuries have reduced the hard-throwing Verlander along with Anibal Sanchez to inconsistency. With their injuries holding them back, Zimmermann could take over as the go-to ace. Zimmermann will come head-to-head with the likes of Chris Sale or Corey Kluber in the division. With aces to match up against, Zimmermann could find himself settling for no decisions.

The Tigers do not put out the most athletic defense behind their pitchers. In the grand scheme of things, shaky defense could hurt Zimmermann. In addition, the Tigers acquired closer Francisco Rodriguez in hopes of alleviating the woes of a unreliable bullpen. To this date, the bullpen appears incomplete aside from Rodriguez. If they don't add depth, solid Zimmermann starts could turn into losses.

Expect Zimmermann to approach 200 innings again. He will bounce back from his poor 2015 showing and give up fewer home runs. He has posted an above .500 win percentage over the last four years, and that should continue as a Tiger. He will be a valuable pitcher for the Tigers and a useful pick in your 2016 fantasy baseball leagues.

MLB & Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-12" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]