2012 MLB Free Agents: Reds Sign Ryan Madson
By Editorial Staff
Ryan Madson will be donning red and white for yet another season, but instead of a P on his cap the 31-year-old will have the Cincinnati Reds signature C. Last night, the Reds and Madson reached a one-year contract agreement. Madson’s new deal will pay him $8.5 million in 2012.
Cincinnati has been in search of a closer for some time. The Reds missed out on former Athletics finisher Andrew Bailey, but were able to swing a trade with the Cubs that sent lefty reliever Sean Marshall to Cincy.
Though Marshall brought late-inning experience to the Reds, Cincinnati continued its search for a more seasoned closer. It appeared that the Reds would eventually reunite with free agent Francisco Cordero, who’s spent the past four seasons closing out games for Cincinnati. But, with talks for Cordero ongoing, the Reds weren’t able to pass up the bargain they saw in Madson.
Entering the offseason some thought Madson would garner a lucrative multi-year deal. It seemed as if he almost had one, as it was reported that he and the Phillies were nearing a four-year, $44 million deal in November.
However, talks eventually fell through, and Philadelphia instead inked closer Jonathan Papelbon to a monster deal. Since then, the market for Madson has cooled and he and his agent Scott Boras have ultimately decided it best to take a one-year deal.
This will allow Madson the opportunity to hit free agency again next season as potentially the market’s top closer.
For 2012, Cincinnati hopes that Madson can anchor its revamped bullpen and starting rotation, allowing the club to make a push for the National League Central crown.
Last season was Madson’s first as the Phillies primary closer. Over his 46 appearances and 60 2/3 innings pitched Madson maintained an ERA of 2.37 and a 1.154 WHIP with a SO/9 of 9.2 and BB/9 of 2.4.
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