Report: Joe Nathan, Tigers have 'mutual interest'

Could Joe Nathan be a fit at closer for the Tigers? (Sarah Glenn/Getty Images)

Free-agent closer Joe Nathan and the Detroit Tigers have "mutual interest" in one another, Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi reported Monday.

The Tigers need a closer, whether it is bringing back Joaquin Benoit, a free agent, or bringing in someone like Nathan. According to Morosi, Nathan has the Tigers "high on his wish list."

Nathan, who will turn 39 later this month, declined a $9 million option with the Texas Rangers earlier in November. After a sub-par season with the Minnesota Twins in 2009, Nathan returned to form over the past two seasons with the Rangers. In 2013, he had a 1.39 ERA and 43 saves, and he struck out more than one batter per inning. He has made at least 66 appearances in each of the last two seasons.

Nathan made clear upon declining his option with the Rangers that he wants a multi-year contract.