2012 MLB Free Agents: Several Teams Eyeing Ryan Madson
By Editorial Staff
Ryan Madson went from seemingly off the free agent market to right back into the fray in a matter of days. Yesterday, the Philadelphia Phillies, one of the favorites to re-sign Madson, agreed to a four-year contract with closer Jonathan Papelbon. Though the Phillies are assumed to be off Madson’s list of suitors, the Blue Jays, Nationals, Red Sox, Rangers and (of course) Marlins are said to be interested in the reliever.
With the loss of Papelbon the Red Sox now have a hole to fill in the back end of their bullpen. What type of hole is unknown at this point. Boston has a pretty good candidate to finish games remaining on its roster, young flamethrower Daniel Bard. After the Papelbon signing, everyone was waiting to see if the Red Sox would name Bard as their next closer. This announcement has yet to come, signaling the club could be looking to the market to fill Papelbon’s role.
The Nationals also have a youngster that has proven more than capable in the closer’s role. Drew Storen finished the 2011 season with 43 saves and an ERA and WHIP of 2.75 and 1.022. Still, Washington is trying to reel in Madson just as they did his former teammate last winter, Jayson Werth. Werth has been in contact with Madson, trying to convince him to make the jump from Philly to Washington.
Neftali Feliz has been one of the more dominant finishers in the game over the past few seasons. So why are the Rangers interested in a free agent closer? Texas has several options to fill out its rotation for 2012, and one of those include shifting Feliz from the pen to a starting role. If this happens, the Rangers will need a new closer.
It’s not strange to see the Miami Marlins tied to one of the top names on the free agent market, but the club certainly does have a need in this case. After last season’s Leo Nunez, Juan Carlos Oviedo situation, the Marlins lost their veteran closer.
Frank Francisco, the Blue Jays leader in saves last season, is a free agent, and the club also finds itself in the market for a 9th inning guy.
After Madson’s near signing with the Phillies, we know that the Scott Boras client will be looking for something close to the four-year, $44 million contract discussed. With Papelbon off the market, Madson and Heath Bell lead this year’s class of closers.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.