Sep 24, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon (43) delivers a pitch in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Tigers won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Tigers biggest weakness in the 2013 season was clearly the late inning reliever. They struggled finding a guy who could consistently get the final outs of a close game, and it very well may have cost them a trip to the World Series.
This led the Tigers to sign Joe Nathan before the 2014 season. He is in his age 39 season and is only signed through the 2015 season, but the Tigers do hold an option for the 2016 season, a year where Nathan will be 41-years old.
Bryce Rondon has long been tabbed the closer of the future, and he still maybe, but is out all season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery. When he comes back, he will certainly have a shot at the closer job. He can put up a triple digit fastball with a heavy slider, but his control has been an issue. He still has to rehab, and his weight could become an issue as he is already flirting with 300 lbs., but he definitely has closer stuff.
Corey Knebel was a closer at the University of Texas before being selected 39th overall in last June’s draft. He only has 33.1 pro innings, but his ERA is an incredible 0.81 with almost 12 K/9 and just under 3 BB/9. He features a fastball that can touch 98 MPH with a hammer of a curve and a developing change.
While there may only be two solid options as future closers in the organization, they are two excellent options with extensive experience pitching in relief. Late inning relief may have been an issue in the past, but is appears it could be a strength in the future.