Detroit Tigers not showing any interest in closer Rafael Soriano – MLB Update
It seems the Detroit Tigers have no interest in pursuing free agent closer Rafael Soriano. The General Manager Dave Dombrowski has made no indication that the Tigers are looking to acquire a top closer this offseason.
However, that may not stop Soriano’s agent Scott Boras from having a word with the GM and owner Mike Ilitch about one of his highly valued client. Although the meeting has not taken place as yet, Boras is expected to engage the Tigers to review Soriano’s
resume, reports mlive.com.
With the departure of closer Jose Valverde, the Tigers are without an established ninth inning reliever. Soriano’s name has been mentioned as one of the possible options for the closing position but the Tigers are not ready to listen.
According to New York Daily News, a conversation between Boras and Ilitch has already taken place but the Tigers decided to pass on the closer because they do not want to lose a draft pick. Soriano, who was signed by the New York Yankees last year, had an
absolutely great time on the mound as he completed 42 out of 46 saves. He struck-out 69 batters in just 67.2 innings pitched.
The Yankees made him a qualifying offer as soon as the season ended but Soriano rejected the offer as he wanted to test the open market. It seems Soriano will be regretting his decision to turn down the Yankees as not too many teams have shown interest in
him.
"Normally you're not going to thrust that in a young guy's hands and say automatically, 'That's your job,' but it would not surprise me if he earned that job," Dombrowski said.
The 32-year-old, of course, was driven by money, which also played a big role in Detroit’s decision. Earlier, his agent Boras suggested that his client is looking to be paid as a closer, which meant Soriano is seeking a contract in the range of four years
and $60 million, multiple sources claimed.
As of now, it appears the Tigers are going with their plan to bring in 21-year-old Bruce Rondon from the Minor League. It will be interesting to see if they youngster can live up to the expectations in the next season.
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