Ryan Madson Rumors: Angels, Reds, Rays Tied to Closer
By Editorial Staff
Earlier this offseason, free agent closer Ryan Madson appeared to be on the brink of signing a large, long-term contract. This must seem like forever ago for the right-hander, as Madson’s market has dried up considerably. The Angels and Reds remain tied to Madson, but his market plunge could allow other teams such as the Rays to get in on the action. Here’s the latest roundup of Ryan Madson rumors.
The Angels still seem like an ideal fit for Madson, and Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that LA is considering signing the closer. If the Angels do decide to bring in Madson, they would have to backload his contract in order to stay under the cap.
Madson would fit in with the Angels win-now, mentality, as the club already added free agent veterans Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson this offseason.
Along with the Angels, the Reds are a team in need of a closer. It’s been unknown if the Reds were willing to pay what it would take to bring in Madson, as Cincinnati was instead looking to the trade market for a cheaper alternative.
Now it looks like the Reds have set their sights on their former finisher, Francisco Cordero. John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Reds have not talked to Scott Boras, Madson’s agent, recently.
Because it now looks as if Madson may have to take a short-term deal, more teams may be willing to enter the discussions for the 31-year-old. Tommy Rancel of ESPN Florida wonders if the Rays may be one of those teams.
Rancel reminds Rays fans of the one-year deal Tampa struck with Rafael Soriano back in the offseason of 2009-10. If the market for Madson continues to dry up, Rancel speculates that Boras and his client may “find the Rays’ way appealing”.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.