PHOENIX — Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski says the Tigers’ top priority is re-signing Victor Martinez now that the slugger is a free agent after declining the team’s qualifying offer.
Speaking Tuesday at baseball’s general managers meetings, Dombrowski said that once the Martinez issue is resolved, the attention will turn to centre field and the bullpen.
He was less optimistic about retaining right-hander Max Scherzer, who also declined a qualifying offer.
Dombrowski said that the Tigers made a "real strong effort" to sign Scherzer and are in "a waiting mode" to see what happens with the pitcher now on the market.
The four-day meetings in Arizona are the traditional kickoff to off-season trade and free agent talks.