2012 MLB Free Agents: Jonathan Broxton Close to Signing
By Editorial Staff
Despite his less-than-stellar, injury plagued 2011, Jonathan Broxton has reportedly had many suitors this offseason. Now, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reports that Broxton has narrowed his list and “will pick his next club before the start of the winter meetings”, which take place early next week. Crasnick speculates the Rays, Marlins, Red Sox, Twins, Reds and Rockies could be in on Broxton, while Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times confirms the big right-hander will not be returning to the Dodgers next season.
Broxton, a second-round pick of the Dodgers in 2002, has spent the past several seasons as LA’s closer. After a shaky 2010, Broxton was limited to only 12 2/3 innings last year. After being shut down for the season in September, Broxton underwent minor elbow surgery. Now recovered from the procedure, Broxton is set to begin a throwing routine.
Hernandez received a text message from BB Abbott, Broxton’s agent, this morning telling him that his client “will not be back in LA”. Abbott told Hernandez that Broxton’s had “multiple suitors” this offseason and expects to have a tentative deal in place “in the next few days”.
It isn’t surprising to Hernandez that Broxton is leaving LA. He’s struggled to stay healthy and remain consistent on the mound over the past several seasons, and the Dodgers have a pair of young arms in Javy Guerra and Kenley Jansen that appear set to take over the back end of LA’s bullpen.
Broxton and his agent are known to be seeking a one-year deal so that Broxton can rebuild his value and hit the market again in 2012. It’s TBD if a team will hand Broxton their closer’s role next season, but any deal he signs figures to be incentive-laden.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.