Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com is reporting that the Texas Rangers have checked in on free agent closer Ryan Madson. Yesterday, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that the market was thin for Madson and that a contender could make a surprise play for the reliever. The Rangers have already added closer Joe Nathan, but Heyman notes that this didn’t stop Texas from checking in on Athletics finisher Andrew Bailey.
As the offseason has progressed, it’s seemed as if Madson would eventually reach a contract agreement with the Los Angeles Angels. However, Angels general manager Jerry DiPoto told reporters earlier this week that it now appears unlikely that LA and Madson would reach a deal.
This leaves an extremely thin market remaining for Madson. Rosenthal notes that the Reds and Cardinals could be potential fits for Madson. Still, the Reds figure to seek a less expensive alternative for their closer’s role and the Cardinals have expressed no real interest in Madson this offseason.
Rosenthal surmises that Madson’s best option may be returning to Philadelphia as a setup man to new closer Jonathan Papelbon. The right-hander could fill a similar role to Nathan if he and the Rangers reach an agreement.
Either way, Rosenthal believes Madson and his agent, Scott Boras, will have to settle on a one-year deal this winter. This would allow Madson to hit the free agency once again next offseason, when he would likely be the best finisher on the open market.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.