Tigers rumors: Detroit still not interested in Jose Valverde

The Detroit Tigers have spent the offseason endorsing former closer Jose Valverde, but they "haven't for one moment considered signing" the free agent, according to Lynn G. Henning of The Detroit News.

Valverde has spent that past three seasons with the Tigers after signing with the club as a free agent prior to the 2010 season. He was solid over his first two years with the club, even managing to convert all 49 regular season save opportunities in 2011.

However, he dropped off last season to the point of ultimately losing the role of closer. Over 10 seasons in the majors, the 34-year-old owns a career ERA of 3.11 with a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

So far this offseason, Valverde has been connected to the New York Mets, Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants. The veteran's been most recently tied to the Mets, but they're only interested if there's another injury in camp and a need arises.

Valverde will get a chance to showcase his abilities this spring when he pitches in the World Baseball Classic. He's one of several late-inning arms remaining on the free agent market, along with former closers Brian Wilson, Bobby Jenks, Francisco Rodriguez and Francisco Cordero.