Detroit Tigers: Five Pitching Staff Upgrades for 2016

Sep 8, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Tyler Clippard (46) pitches during the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. New York Mets defeated Washington Nationals 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Closer

The free agent market for closers will be thin at best in 2016. There are a couple who will hit the market with past success on their resumes but nothing the past couple of seasons to boast about like Edward Mujica and Jim Johnson. Fernando Rodney filled the role for a time with the Mariners this season but ended up DFA’d.

The current available option for the Tigers in 2016 will be Bruce Rondon. He has the stuff in abundance to handle the job but has yet to show he has the head to be the ninth inning man.

The best option would be if the Tigers can sign Clippard. He’s another on the list who has had success at the role in the past but he’s also currently pitching effectively in an important role for a team that’s heading to the playoffs.

Whatever Avila decides, he has to provide competition for Rondon going into 2016 spring training.