Cincinnati Reds yet to finalise contract talks with the free-agents – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds' general manager Walt Jocketty has said that he had conversations with the free agents, but was not close to anything. He was referring to the club’s discussions with the free agents Ryan Ludwick, Ryan Madson and Jonathan Broxton.
"We've had conversations with all of them," Jocketty said. "We're not close to anything. [This] week we'll have limited contact, I'd think."
With the short supply of closers, the Reds will definitely look into retaining Jonathan Broxton. He was signed on July 31 this year which was actually the MLB non-waiver Trade Deadline.
Broxton appeared in total of 60 games, having had 2.48 ERA with 27 saves to his credit as he pitched 58 innings, giving up 18 runs and surrendering 56 hits.
While Aroldis Chapman’s role remains a subject of discussions these days, as the Reds want to use him as the starter next year, Broxton could well be one of the closers. But nothing can be said with certainty at this point in time.
Ryan Madson, on the other hand, missed the whole season due to Tommy John surgery that he had to undergo after having a torn ligament in his right elbow. It was during the offseason the past year that he was signed to a one-year contract worth $8.5 million.
That he could not pitch was something that the Reds might not have anticipated. Nonetheless, the future moves will be made after due deliberation given the stakes involved.
The Reds are now particularly careful about the possibility of losing a pitcher or two which can create a lot of hurdle for the Reds. This year, during the postseason, Johnny Cueto’s departure was a huge setback for the club.
Ryan Ludwick, on the other hand, was signed on one year contract worth $2.5 million with an option for a second year in 2013, but he became a free agent after declining the option.
Since there is no final statement on what the next move will be, there – nonetheless, is a possibility that the Reds will have the pitchers given the necessity of having them in the bullpen.
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