Report: Red Sox Among Teams Interested in Free-Agent Closer Ryan Madson

by Ricky Doyle on Mon, Nov 7, 2011 at 9:22PM

The Red Sox may turn to free agency this offseason to upgrade their bullpen, and Ryan Madson may be a name we see tossed around.

SI.com’s Jon Heyman reports that the Red Sox are among the teams believed to be interested in the free-agent reliever, who is reportedly drawing “a lot of early interest.”

Madson served as the Phillies’ closer last season when Brad Lidge and Jose Contreras went down with injuries, and he threw a stranglehold on the role.

The 31-year-old reliever, who had been used mostly as a set-up man prior to last season, has spent his entire career in Philadelphia. He racked up 32 saves in 34 chances in 2011, while posting a 2.37 ERA in 62 appearances. The long-time Phillie has a career 3.60 ERA.

The Red Sox, of course, have some question marks when it comes to their bullpen. Closer Jonathan Papelbon remains a free agent, and the club recently declined team options on Dan Wheeler and Scott Atchison. Alfredo Aceves‘ and Daniel Bard‘s future roles also remain in question, as the Sox face some difficult decisions to make when it comes to the starting rotation, as well.

The Phillies, Nationals, Rangers and Marlins are also believed to be interested in Madson, according to Heyman.