The Detroit Tigers have signed Jose Valverde to a minor league contract that includes an opt-out clause if he isn't with the major league team by May 5.
Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said he has discussed "parameters" of a big-league deal with Valverde's agent, Scott Boras.
Valverde saved 110 games over three seasons for the Tigers, including a franchise-record 49 in as many opportunities in 2011.