Multiple teams showing interest in Joel Hanrahan

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Reports suggested that as many as twenty teams were in attendance a few weeks ago when Joel Hanrahan threw for scouts and it would seem that at least five of them are seriously pursuing the right-handed reliever. The Colorado Rockies, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Detroit Tigers all appear to be in the mix for the veteran’s services, according to CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman.

Heyman adds that Hanrahan has already received multiple offers and will likely sign before holding an additional showcase.

The 32 year Hanrahan is roughly a year removed from Tommy John surgery, a procedure that ended his brief tenure with the Red Sox just as soon as it began. After coming over in an offseason trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates and handed the closer’s role, Hanrahan made just nine appearances for Boston before needing to be shut down. He was the first of two closers that the team lost early last season, before ultimately turning to Koji Uehara at the backend of their bullpen and riding him all the way to a World Series title. Hanrahan’s experience – over the two seasons prior to being traded by the Pirates he’d been an All Star closer, saving a combined 76 games with a 2.24 ERA and 1.153 WHIP – is a large part of what is drawing so many teams to have interest in him.

Each of the team’s reportedly interested in signing Hanrahan could use a boost in their bullpen, be it because of injuries (Detroit and Texas) or simply inexperience (New York and Colorado). There doesn’t appear to be any surefire closing opportunities available for him, but pitching the late innings for a potential playoff contender could still be in the cards depending on where Hanrahan elects to sign.