Detroit Tigers will be looking for a new closer, as Joe Nathan is o..."/> Detroit Tigers will be looking for a new closer, as Joe Nathan is o..."/>
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5 replacements for Joe Nathan

By Nathaniel Reeves

Sep 1, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joe Nathan (36) celebrates a 12-1 over the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joe Nathan (36) celebrates a 12-1 over the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) reacts after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) reacts after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Bruce Rondon

Rondon is the wild card at the moment. After an exciting brief debut in 2013 as the Tigers’ setup man, Rondon had to undergo Tommy John surgery in March of 2014.

That means Rondon should be getting close to being able to return to the Detroit bullpen. While there’s no telling what a pitcher will look like after the procedure, Rondon was certainly being groomed as the organization’s closer of the future.

Rondon had a 1.52 ERA with over 12 strikeouts per nine innings as a closer in Triple-A in 2013. If the Tigers need another back-end option later in the summer, Rondon should be an option.

1) Jonathan Papelbon

Rather than an in-house option, a bullpen trade is certainly possible in June or July. Aroldis Chapman could be dealt if the Cincinnati Reds are out of contention, but the Tigers might not have the prospects required to attain him.

That leaves Papelbon as the closer most likely to be traded. The Tigers won’t mind adding some salary and Papelbon shouldn’t cost too much to get otherwise.

While his personality doesn’t always agree with some, Papelbon is generally reliable as a closer. Detroit could be a possible landing spot.

Next: Top 30 Starting Pitchers of All-Time

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