Cleveland Indians Should Target Free Agent Reliever Ryan Madson

Could Ryan Madson Be A Target For the Tribe?

The Cleveland Indians can’t continue to rely on Cody Allen and Bryan Shaw to carry the bullpen forever. The Tribe should consider signing some reliable relief help, rather than relying exclusively on minor leaguers. One of the best candidates for this is veteran Ryan Madson.

Madson spent 2015 with the Kansas City Royals, after being out of major league baseball for three years. (Who says playoff teams don’t pick guys up off the scrap heap?) Madson tore the ligament in his elbow and needed Tommy John surgery during Spring Training of 2012. Despite attempts with both the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Angels, Madson was unable to come back successfully until this year.

Prior to his injuries, he was a superstar reliever with the Philadelphia Phillies. They utilized him as a setup man for closer Brad Lidge, then promoted Madson to the ninth inning when Lidge was placed on the disabled list. By the time Lidge returned, Madson had been so successful that the Phillies left him in the closer role. During his time with the Phils from 2007 to 2011, Madson posted a 2.89 ERA with 49 saves. He also struck out 314 batters over 329 innings in 310 games, which gave him a pretty phenomenal strikeout rate.

Madson’s fastball is a mid-90s pitch, and he pairs it with a low-80s changeup that consistently managers to fool hitters. Although he struggled with the Royals in the postseason, he pitched 63.1 stellar innings during the regular season. In 68 outings, he struck out 58 batters and walked just 14, all while maintaining a 2.13 ERA. Who wouldn’t want Madson on their side?

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Excluding the three years he missed following Tommy John surgery – which is a major exclusion, to be sure – Madson has always been very healthy. If his elbow is right again, as it appeared to be all season with the Royals, his age and injury history shouldn’t scare teams away. The Royals signed him to a minor league deal in 2015, but after such a successful return to the majors, Madson’s price is likely to go up considerably this winter.

When the Angels signed him the season after his surgery, they gave him a $3.5 million, one-year deal. The Indians could offer him a very similar deal – perhaps $4 million over one year, or $7 million over two years – without really putting themselves at risk.

Madson has shown that he’s back to being the pitcher he was with the Phillies. He’s certainly worth the gamble, and the Indians would be wise to consider adding him to the roster.

Next: Is Zach McAllister a Rotation Candidate?

Don’t forget to check out our 2015 season reviews, as we look ahead to the Indians’ 2016 season.