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Reports: Tigers close to signing 2-year deal with closer Joe Nathan

Joe Nathan, a two-time All-Star in Texas, would be a fit for a Tigers team in need of a closer. (Sarah Glenn/Getty Images)

Could Joe Nathan be a fit at closer for the Tigers? (Sarah Glenn/Getty Images)

The Tigers have found the closer they've been looking for. Joe Nathan, who spent the last two seasons closing for the Rangers, is close to signing with the Tigers, as first reported by Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports the deal is for two years.

Nathan, 39, had 43 saves in 46 chances and a 1.39 ERA in 67 appearances for the Rangers in 2013. He made the All-Star team during both seasons in Texas.

Nathan became a free agent in November after he and the Rangers declined a $9 million contract mutual option.

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Nathan and the Tigers have appeared to be a good match during free agency and reportedly shared "mutual interest" once it became apparent the Rangers were moving on without him.

https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/407906096842821632