Detroit Tigers Finalize Seal with Joe Nathan

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Tigers have agreed to terms with free agent reliever Joe Nathan on a two-year contract with a club option for 2016, accomplishing one of their main objectives this offseason by adding one of baseball's most accomplished closers to the bullpen.

The three-time defending AL Central champions announced the deal Wednesday, two days after trading right-hander Doug Fister to Washington.

It's been a busy offseason already for Detroit, which traded slugger Prince Fielder to Texas for Ian Kinsler in a move that, coupled with the trade of Fister, gave the Tigers more financial flexibility.

Detroit's bullpen was unsettled for much of last season. Joaquin Benoit eventually performed well as the closer, but he is now a free agent. Nathan was with the Rangers last season.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.