Tigers in ‘serious’ negotiations with Brian Wilson, per report

The Detroit Tigers are in "serious" negotiations with free agent reliever Brian Wilson, according to Lynn Henning of The Detroit News. The team might be considering Wilson as a closing option in 2014. Terms of a potential deal have not yet been reported.

After undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in 2012, the 31-year-old Wilson returned in 2013 to throw 13⅔ innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He allowed only one run on eight hits while striking out 13 batters, and then followed up that performance by throwing six scoreless innings in the playoffs. Prior to his time in Los Angeles, Wilson spent seven seasons with the San Francisco Giants, including a four-year span as the team's closer (2008-2011) in which he racked up 163 saves and a 2010 World Series ring.

Despite his injury history and potentially distracting personality, Wilson's resume makes him a good fit for the Tigers. Detroit's bullpen was weak last season, and they stand to lose 2013 closer Joaquin Benoit (free agent) and reliever Jose Veras (option declined). The team has not had serious negotiations with free agent closers Joe Nathan or Grant Balfour, according to Henning. General manager Dave Dombrowski has stated that signing a closer is a priority for the offseason.