This weekend we reported that the Texas Rangers have checked in on free agent closer Ryan Madson. As the winter continues and Madson remains on the open market, his inevitable reduced asking price figures to draw several teams beyond the Rangers to market. Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe notes that, if and when Madson’s price falls, a lot of teams will become interested, including the Red Sox, Angels, Rays and Cardinals.
The Los Angeles Angels, the team that has been most frequently tied to Madson this winter, has said that they are likely done shopping the free agent market this winter. This eliminates a major Madson suitor, and it’s hard to find a team that would be willing to meet the right-hander’s expensive, multi-year demands.
For this reason, some believe Madson’s agent Scott Boras may reduce his asking price to one year, allowing Madson to hit free agency next season as potentially the market’s top closer.
If Madson can eventually be had for a one-year commitment, many teams would likely become interested in signing the right-hander. The Angels may be willing to re-enter the free agent market for such a deal, and Carfado believes the Red Sox, Cardinals and even the Rays could get in on Madson at this price.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.