Free-agent Ryan Madson may still be of interest to Red Sox

The Red Sox have their closer in Andrew Bailey.  They also appear to have their setup man in Mark Melancon.  Depending on whether or not  Alfredo Aceves can stick in the starting rotation, he may be another valuable option for the bullpen.  But there is always room for improvement and if the price drops on free-agent Ryan Madson, he may be of interest to the Red Sox.

Madson, a Scott Boras client, has seen his market all but dry up.  A once popular free-agent closer who was being considered by multiple teams, Madson may now be forced to take a one-year deal at a much lower price tag.

Originally, Boras was seeking four-years around $44 million for his client and he appeared to have it with the Phillies.  But the deal fell through when Jonathan Papelbon was inked.  The Red Sox were also a team heavily interested in Madson, but the asking price was too steep for a guy who’s only closed out ball games for one year.

Other clubs that were interested were the Cincinnati Reds, LA Angels and Texas Rangers.  It’s said that the Angels may still be in on Madson, but appear willing to wait to see if in fact his market does drop.

Should that happen, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that the Red Sox may once again have interest in the free-agent.  A one-year deal would be fitting for the club who could use Madson as a relief option with the insurance he could close should Bailey struggle or succumb to injury.

Madson spent most of his career, nine years, as a set up man in Philadelphia, before acquiring the closing role last season.  The 31-year old has averaged over 9 strikeouts per 9 innings in each of his last three seasons.

While some feel the addition of Madson would be foolish, it would provide Aceves and Daniel Bard the full opportunity to adjust to the starting role.  If something happens where neither can stick as a starter, then think of the trade possibilities with Madson. Especially if he’s inked to a one-year deal at a low cost.

Maybe this patient approach is going to work after all.

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