MLB Trade Rumors: Detroit Tigers looking to acquire Jonathan Papelbon?

The Detroit Tigers are among the teams in the pennant chase that need help in the bullpen rather desperately. It could be argued that out of all the team in the hunt, the Tigers need the help the most as after the trade deadline they put together, they have the most to lose.

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According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, one option for teams looking at bullpen help would be Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon.

"With the need for back-end bullpen help, Papelbon could still be in play for a deal before the end of the month. He cleared waivers and continues to have a good season — 27 saves, a 0.872 WHIP, and eight straight appearances without allowing a run entering Friday. Now the question becomes does a team such as the Tigers make one last attempt to bolster their bullpen before the playoffs?"

Detroit needs bullpen help badly, as they’ve struggled since their trade deadline haul and a lot of that has to do with how poorly the bullpen has pitched and how unreliable they’ve been. The bottom line is, starting pitching only gets you so far in the postseason, and Detroit targeting Papelbon makes a ton of sense.

Be sure to stay glued to FanSided’s MLB Rumors page to stay up to date with the latest action and rumbling from the baseball hot stove this trade season.