The deal is for slightly under $5 million, the source said, plus incentives.

The A's, Twins and Dodgers, meanwhile, are pursuing right-hander Russ Springer, sources say, with the Twins also considering Eric Gagne, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Lyon, 29, would give the Tigers another option at closer to go with right-hander Fernando Rodney, who currently is slated for the role.

Lyon's agent, Barry Meister, had told teams that he has a two-year, $9 million offer for his client, but the Tigers apparently offered a better opportunity. The Cardinals also had discussed Lyon as a possible late-inning option.

Earlier this season, the Cardinals lost out to the Angels for free-agent lefty Brian Fuentes. The team wants to add a veteran who would allow Chris Perez time to grow into the closer's role.

The Tigers are in somewhat of a similar position with Joel Zumaya, who is recovering from shoulder surgery but is expected to be ready for spring training.

Lyon opened last season as the Diamondbacks' closer and earned 19 saves before the All-Star break with a 2.43 ERA. He had an 8.46 ERA after the break, however, and received only save opportunity after Aug. 12.

Springer, 39, is coming off two stellar seasons with the Cardinals, and likely to command approximately $2.5 million for one year.

The Twins prefer Springer to Gagne, who signed a one-year, $10 million free-agent contract with the Brewers last season, only to quickly lose his closer's role.

Asked Thursday if he might sign more than one reliever, Twins general manager Bill Smith told FOXSports.com, "it could be one or two or zero. We're pursuing guys that can help us get better. And we've got some people within the organization we want to give opportunities to as well."

Detroit Tigers News News » Sources: A's, Twins, Dodgers pursue Springer
Sources: A's, Twins, Dodgers pursue Springer
The bullpen market is bubbling. The Tigers are close to a one-year agreement with free-agent right-hander Brandon Lyon, according to a major-league source. MLB Hot Stove