:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3114733/123964726.0.jpg)
Rumored to have interest in both Ryan Madson and Joakim Soria since early last week, the Cincinnati Reds are now "talking to" both parties about taking over as closer, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:
#Reds have been talking to two free-agent relievers coming off Tommy John. Madson will be ready to start season, Soria out until May.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 11, 2012
The Reds are looking for a closer to allow Aroldis Chapman to move into the rotation, and Madson and Soria might be available on the cheap despite their stellar histories. Both right-handers missed the entire 2012 season recovering from Tommy John undergone this past spring and had their options for next season declined as a result.
Madson, 32, had a great season as the Phillies’ closer in 2011, posting a 2.37 ERA and 9.2 K/9 while racking up thirty-two saves. A nine-year MLB veteran, Madson has just one year under his belt as a full-time closer.
Soria, still just 28, is coming off the second Tommy John surgery of his career and a down 2011 that saw him post an ERA over 2.50 for the first time in his career. In five years as closer in Kansas City, Soria has a 2.40 ERA, 2.5 BB/9 and 9.7 K/9.