Anibal Sanchez rumors: Tigers, Royals, Dodgers

The Kansas City Royals have money to spend and are sending out signals that they are prepared to make a run at free agent starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez, reports Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com, who adds that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers are also interested in signing the right-hander:

Club officials are sending out signals at the winter meetings that they have money and are prepared to spend it on someone they could consider a No. 1 starter. That could even include a run at Anibal Sanchez, who has been looking for as much as $15 million a year.

Knobler adds that Royals’ officials are telling teams they’re prepared to spend their available funds on a pitcher that "they could consider a No. 1 starter." Kansas City believes their young offense is talented enough to challenge the Tigers in the American League Central if they are able to "significantly improve their rotation," according to Knobler.

Speaking of the Tigers, there were reports this morning of a four-year, $48 million offer they extended Sanchez "a few weeks ago," according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Jason Beck of MLB.com later confirmed that Detroit is "still talking" with the right-hander’s agent, but called reported four-year, $48 million offer "not accurate."

Knobler says the Dodgers have expressed interest in several of the market’s high-profile arms, including Sanchez and Zack Greinke. He adds that the Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals are also "looking at big-name pitchers."