Reds rumors: Ryan Madson, Jonathan Broxton, Joakim Soria

The Cincinnati Reds have made clear their desire to move left-hander Aroldis Chapman into the rotation next season, and are looking at Ryan Madson, Jonathan Broxton and Joakim Soria as their top options for replacement closer to make that happen, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports:

The Reds hope to move mega-talent Aroldis Chapman from the bullpen to the rotation. That much is becoming clear.

The one caveat is this: If they fail to come up with a replacement closer, Chapman might have to remain closer. The three top names on the Reds' list to replace Chapman appear to be Jonathan Broxton, Ryan Madson and Joakim Soria.

Madson and Soria missed the entire 2012 season recovering from their respective Tommy John surgeries, but both pitchers are expected to be healthy by early on next year. Coming off major injuries, it is likely each will sign for a discounted rate this winter.

Broxton, 28, pitched well for the Reds in his half-season with the club this year, amassing a 2.82 ERA, 8.1 K/9 and 1.2 BB/9 in twenty-two and a third innings. The hefty right-hander earned $4 million in 2012, and should expect a small raise on the open market.

Chapman excelled in the closer role for the Reds this past season -- posting a 1.51 ERA and 15.3 K/9 in over seventy innings -- but the club still feels his future is in the rotation.