Jose Valverde led the league in saves two years ago and finished fifth in Cy Young voting. Now he’s without a home, although it appears that is about to change.
Valverde is close to signing a one-year deal with the Marlins, according to ESPN.com’s Enrique Rojas.
Valverde, who is a three-time All-Star, has reached the 40-save plateau on three separate occasions, leading the league in every instance. He put together a fantastic campaign in 2011, saving all 49 of his chances while donning a 2.24 ERA. He regressed a bit in 2012, though, which has the 34-year-old still seeking employment just prior to spring training.
Valverde — who also owns one of baseball’s better nicknames in “Papa Grande” — saved 35 games for the Tigers last season and sported a 3.78 ERA in 69 innings.
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