Reports indicate that Rays free agent reliever Joaquin Benoit and the Detroit Tigers have agreed to the terms of a three-year contract worth $16.5 million.
After missing the entire 2009 season with a rotator cuff injury, the former Texas Ranger made the most of his comeback opportunity with the Rays in 2010, posting a 1.34 ERA while pitching 60.1 innings in 63 games with 75 strikeouts and only 11 walks, primarily as a set-up man for closer Rafael Soriano.
With Soriano’s departure via free agency being almost a foregone conclusion before the season even ended, it was hoped that the Rays could find a way to keep Benoit and let him assume the closer’s role. Instead, the Rays will have to explore other options in regard to building the bullpen next season.
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