Who is the Detroit Tigers closer for the 2023 season?

Who's the next man up for the Detroit Tigers closer role?

The Detroit Tigers recently traded all-star closer Gregory Soto to the Philadelphia Phillies. Fans were upset at first, showing the same concerns all of the Tiger's fans had. Who will be the closer for the Detroit Tigers for the 2023 season?

While that is a big question, fans should let the trade simmer and look at the prospects received in the deal. No number one prospect, no elite young player, and not a top-of-the-line rookie. Instead, they acquired quality depth with young players who could eventually help this team get back on track.

Matt Vierling seems to be the best of the players received, and his career looks promising. While we judge this trade before either team has played a game with the new acquisitions, we again ponder who will become the new closer for the Detroit Tigers.

Below are four pitchers who could take that role unless manager A.J. Hinch wants to figure it out by the committee. The Tigers are not going to acquire a closer, as general manager, Scott Harris is not acquiring anything more than prospects.

Pitcher Alex Lange has one career save. He has been with the Tigers since 2021 and has appeared in 107 games. Last season, Lange improved greatly in wins, ERA, and win percentage. He is not elite by any means but gets the job done in crunch time. Lange looks to improve on a solid 2022 season in hopes of more wins and possibly a shot at the closer's role. More of a fifth starter and a bullpen guy, Lange could surprise some people if given a chance to close for the Tigers.

Jose Cisnero has four career saves, all coming in the 2021 season. He has spent four years with the Detroit Tigers and has a win/loss record of 8-11, a 3.26 ERA, and 159 strikeouts in 151 innings pitched. He has a solid pitching arsenal that keeps the opposing batters on their toes. He could be an essential piece to the pitching staff this season, regardless if he is the closer or a setup guy.

Will Vest has one career save. A bit of an unknown candidate, he can be a pit bull on the mound and challenge batters with his nasty fastball. Will Vest has 90 strikeouts in 98 innings and four wins over two MLB seasons with the Tigers and Seattle Mariners. He improved in every statistical category once he got to Detroit and looked to do the same this season.

Brendan White has ten career saves, all in the minor leagues. A dark horse to secure the closer's role, White has played as high as the rookie ball in his career. While playing rookie ball, he posted some good numbers out of the bullpen. White has 28 wins over five seasons, along with a 3.88 ERA and 447 strikeouts in 541 innings.