The Detroit Tigers are close to signing closer Joe Nathan, according to Jon Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com. The term and financial value of the expected deal are currently unknown, but it is likely that Nathan will receive a multi-year deal.
Nathan, 39, is one of the best closers available on the free agent market and has drawn interest from the Angels and Yankees as well as the Tigers. The six-time All-Star voided his team option with the Rangers to seek a multi-year deal on the free agent market, and looks like he will get that with Detroit.
The Tigers' bullpen struggles were well-documented in 2013, with free agents Joaquin Benoit and Jose Veras being less effective than the team desired throughout the postseason. The team has been prioritizing adding bullpen help all offseason, and look to be close to adding one of the best available options.
In 67 games with the Rangers in 2013, Nathan was 6-2 with a 1.39 ERA and 43 saves. For his career, he has a lifetime 2.76 ERA and 341 saves in thirteen seasons with the Giants (1999-2000, 2002-2003), Twins (2004-2009, 2011) and Rangers (2013-2013).