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Top 5 Bullpen Arms Detroit Tigers Should Target At 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
With summer now officially underway, MLB trade discussions can be expected to heat up along with the weather. When it comes to the Detroit Tigers, the bullpen looks like it could be an area to address. Although some fans have begun throwing around names such as Jonathan Papelbon and Aroldis Chapman, the Tigers might be wise to target a smaller name. Ideally, they should get someone who could setup or share the closing duties with Joakim Soria. So, without further ago, here are the top five bullpen arms that should be on the Tigers' radar.

With summer now officially underway, MLB trade discussions can be expected to heat up along with the weather. When it comes to the Detroit Tigers, the bullpen looks like it could be an area to address. Although some fans have begun throwing around names such as Jonathan Papelbon and Aroldis Chapman, the Tigers might be wise to target a smaller name. Ideally, they should get someone who could setup or share the closing duties with Joakim Soria. So, without further ago, here are the top five bullpen arms that should be on the Tigers' radar.

5. Joaquin Benoit

5. Joaquin Benoit Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
After making so many high-profile additions over the offseason, the San Diego Padres currently find themselves sitting in fourth place in the NL West with a record of 34-38. If the Padres decide to become sellers, the Tigers should check in on Joaquin Benoit. The soon-to-be 38-year-old Benoit pitched in Detroit from 2011-13, going 13-7 with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP over the three-year stretch.

After making so many high-profile additions over the offseason, the San Diego Padres currently find themselves sitting in fourth place in the NL West with a record of 34-38. If the Padres decide to become sellers, the Tigers should check in on Joaquin Benoit. The soon-to-be 38-year-old Benoit pitched in Detroit from 2011-13, going 13-7 with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP over the three-year stretch.

4. Jason Grilli

4. Jason Grilli Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Taking over the closing duties after the trade of Craig Kimbrel, Jason Grilli has been quite good for the Atlanta Braves this season, putting up a 2.73 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP while converting 20 saves in 22 opportunities. Like Benoit, Grilli is also a former Tiger. However, it should be noted that the Braves are only two games back in the NL East, so they may want to hold on to him for the time being.

Taking over the closing duties after the trade of Craig Kimbrel, Jason Grilli has been quite good for the Atlanta Braves this season, putting up a 2.73 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP while converting 20 saves in 22 opportunities. Like Benoit, Grilli is also a former Tiger. However, it should be noted that the Braves are only two games back in the NL East, so they may want to hold on to him for the time being.

3. John Axford

3. John Axford Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
After enduring a couple of rough seasons, John Axford has been a bright spot for the Colorado Rockies as he is finally resembling the pitcher who saved 46 games for the Milwaukee Brewers back in 2011. He currently has a 1.31 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP and 12 saves in as many opportunities. At 30-39, it would hardly be shocking to see the Rockies sell off some of their pieces, and Axford will definitely be one to keep an eye on.

After enduring a couple of rough seasons, John Axford has been a bright spot for the Colorado Rockies as he is finally resembling the pitcher who saved 46 games for the Milwaukee Brewers back in 2011. He currently has a 1.31 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP and 12 saves in as many opportunities. At 30-39, it would hardly be shocking to see the Rockies sell off some of their pieces, and Axford will definitely be one to keep an eye on.

2. Tyler Clippard

2. Tyler Clippard Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Acquired from the Washington Nationals over the offseason, Tyler Clippard is having a nice year with the Oakland Athletics, posting a 2.97 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP with 12 saves in 14 opportunities. The 30-year-old has a proven track record, and he could clearly help the Tigers' bullpen. The A's getting back into the AL West race is a longshot at this point, so many teams will likely be inquiring about Clippard in the coming weeks.

Acquired from the Washington Nationals over the offseason, Tyler Clippard is having a nice year with the Oakland Athletics, posting a 2.97 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP with 12 saves in 14 opportunities. The 30-year-old has a proven track record, and he could clearly help the Tigers' bullpen. The A's getting back into the AL West race is a longshot at this point, so many teams will likely be inquiring about Clippard in the coming weeks.

1. Brad Ziegler

1. Brad Ziegler Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Now 35 years old, Brad Ziegler continues to get the job done for the Arizona Diamondbacks, putting up a 1.50 ERA and 0.97 WHIP while saving 10 games in 12 opportunities. If available, the ground-ball machine would be an excellent fit with the Tigers. It should be noted, however, that the D-Backs are only four games back in the NL West and they have an option on Ziegler for 2016, so they may want to keep him around.

Now 35 years old, Brad Ziegler continues to get the job done for the Arizona Diamondbacks, putting up a 1.50 ERA and 0.97 WHIP while saving 10 games in 12 opportunities. If available, the ground-ball machine would be an excellent fit with the Tigers. It should be noted, however, that the D-Backs are only four games back in the NL West and they have an option on Ziegler for 2016, so they may want to keep him around.

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