In this Tigers trade rumors and news update, as the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers engage in trade talks surrounding Rangers reliever Joakim Soria, a very familiar name to Tigers fans is also being discussed as a potential bullpen upgrade on the trade market.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Detroit Tigers are also targeting San Diego Padres relief pitcher and former Detroit mainstay Joaquin Benoit as the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline approaches:
Re: @jonmorosi tweet on #Tigers/Soria. Other DET target is Benoit, per rival exec. Team does not want RP who views himself as pure closer.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 18, 2014
Soria and Benoit have experience in both setup and closing roles, giving the Tigers flexibility when it comes to setting up the back of their bullpen in the event of a trade.
The team is still committed to keeping Joe Nathan in the closing role at this time, so acquiring either Soria or Benoit allows for that while giving the team options if Nathan continues to struggle into August and September.
Benoit has remained a dominant back-of-the-bullpen force during his move to San Diego, posting a 1.86 ERA and a 0.80 WHIP in 38.2 innings this season.
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