Ryan Madson Rumors: No Agreement With Philly, Washington A Possibility?

Yesterday, it seemed close to a sure thing that Ryan Madson would return to the Philadelphia Phillies. Numerous outlets were reporting that Madson was near a four-year deal with the team, with some even citing a specific $11 million annual salary as part of the deal. That all may have been premature, though, as Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports is reporting that the Phillies and Madson never had an agreement in place, and the Nationals could jump into the bidding soon.

Madson, 31, has been one of the better relievers in the game for the past four seasons, although he wasn't handed the full-time closing gig until 2011. He's become a key piece for the Phillies, though, as their lone top-level relief pitcher, and they'll sorely miss him if he departs. Obviously the reported offers would speak to how much the team values him, as many people would consider $11 million a nearly exorbitant price for a reliever, but now there's doubt surrounding whether these details are even accurate.

As for Washington's interest in Madson, I'm not really sure I understand that. They already have two fantastic relievers in Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard to anchor the bullpen, and enough issues elsewhere that spending big money on a reliever shouldn't be a priority.