Cubs out, Tigers in on Anibal Sanchez?

The Chicago Cubs have allegedly dropped out of the two-horse race for free-agent right-hander Anibal Sanchez, leaving the Detroit Tigers as the likely victor in obtaining him, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Heyman adds that the Tigers are still in on Sanchez at five years and $75 million, and will likely sign the 28-year-old barring a last minute bid from a mystery team.

Things may not be as wrapped up as Heyman reports, however. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported this morning that the Cubs had actually upped their offer to five years and $77.5 million, which would put them in front in negotiations for Sanchez.

Reports on the right-hander -- No. 2 on our Top 10 Free Agent list -- had been pretty sparse before this week. Top free agent Zack Greinke's record deal with the Dodgers got things moving in the starting pitching market, however, and now it looks as though Sanchez is headed towards a big pay day.

The right-hander owns a 3.75 ERA and a 7.6 K/9 rate in seven big-league seasons, all but the last half season of which were spent in the Marlins' organization.

Everything appears to still be pretty fluid at the moment, so be sure to stay tuned.