Joel Hanrahan is inching his way toward a major league return, and it appears there’s no shortage of interest in the former All-Star closer.
The Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers and Colorado Rockies are believed to be among the teams showing “strong interest” in Hanrahan, according to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman. Hanrahan is believed to have received multiple offers, and at least the five aforementioned teams reportedly are in the running for the free-agent reliever.
Hanrahan was traded to the Red Sox from the Pittsburgh Pirates before the 2013 season. The right-hander endured struggles that led to his removal as Boston’s closer, and he went down with an injury in May that led to season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Hanrahan recently threw for teams as part of an open showcase. According to Heyman, Hanrahan, who might soon host another showcase, touched 92-93 mph on the radar gun. Scouts reportedly said the 32-year-old appeared to be in excellent shape.
Hanrahan posted a 9.82 ERA in 7 1/3 innings over nine appearances with the Red Sox in 2013. But he earned back-to-back All-Star selections as the Pirates’ closer in 2011 and 2012 — compiling 76 saves in those two seasons — so it’s not surprising some teams are considering taking a flier.
