Dodgers Rumors: Detroit Tigers In Serious Talks With Brian Wilson

A huge part of the Los Angeles Dodgers success at the end of the season was the solid back end of their bullpen after they signed reliever Brian Wilson in late July.

Wilson was recovering from Tommy John surgery and his connection to Dodgers GM Ned Colletti made the Dodgers appealing to the former San Francisco Giant. However, it looks like Wilson’s stay with the Dodgers might be short lived according to Lynn Henning of DetroitNews.com:

The Tigers are moving toward a possible deal with free-agent bullpen closer Brian Wilson, The Detroit News has learned. A source told The Detroit News that negotiations with the ex-Dodgers and Giants reliever were serious. The source requested anonymity because a deal had not been reached.

The biggest disadvantage to the Dodgers in re-signing was the fact they have their closer in place with Kenley Jansen while the Tigers let their closer, Joaquin Benoit, walk via free agency. In 18 games with the Dodgers, Wilson was 2-1 with a 0.66 ERA and quickly became the set-up man to Jansen down the stretch.

There was also a report that Wilson would be open to returning to the Dodgers if they paid him like a closer, but it remains to be seen if he’ll go back to the Dodgers with a chance to match the Tigers offer. Once a hated villain, Wilson transformed into a beloved figure on the 2013 Dodgers and would be tough to replace moving forward if he does bolt for MoTown.

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ICYMI: Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson took a shot at the Dodgers last week.