Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE
The Cincinnati Reds signed Ryan Madson during the winter–when the Philadelphia Phillies signed Jonathan Papelbon as their closer–and gave him a one year contract worth $8.5M, making him the closer for the Reds. Madson was the guy during Spring Training. Unfortunately for Madson and the Reds, he blew out his elbow and had to have Tommy John surgery, thus missing the entire season. Now MLB Rumors consider what will become of Madson come next season.
For the part of the Reds, one has to consider how the season played out without Madson as their closer. They are, as we speak, five games away from clinching the Central Division. They have found a closer in the name of Aroldis Chapman. They dealt for a closer at the trade deadline in Jonathan Broxton, not to mention the move to pick up Sean Marshall at the beginning of the season, possibly for closing duties.
Now the question is: what is to become of Ryan Madson?
It seems unlikely that the Reds will want him back. (However, given that Marshall is not the answer as closer and Chapman wants to be a starter, that may not be fully the case.) But if they do not, where would Madson end up and what kind of contract would he have?
It is highly likely that some team or teams will make a play for him. Career-wise, he has a record of 47-30 and a 3.59ERA with 52 saves. I cannot imagine every team passing on him. The contract he will sign will be of the minimum variety, probably with a bunch of incentives. Another problem for Madson is that he is 32 years old, so he’s no spring chicken.
We will definitely have to see how he progresses and what interest there is, but it is fun to look at the MLB rumors every now and then.
Stay tuned to RantSports for more MLB Rumors.
