MLB Trade Rumors: Ryan Madson Reportedly Agrees to Terms with Reds

The Cincinnati Reds have found their closer.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports is reporting that the club has agreed to terms with right-hander Ryan Madson.

Reds.com scribe Mark Sheldon is reporting that the deal is for one year, $10M.

The 31-year-old posted a 2.37 ERA in 60.2 innings for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2011. He registered 32 saves in his first full season on the job.

According to mlbtraderumors.com, the Reds don’t have to surrender a draft pick and the Phillies will acquire two for losing him after offering arbitration. 

The announcement comes just hours after Cincinnati Enquirer beat reporter John Fay tweeted how the Reds were downplaying the prospect of signing Madson.

The Reds needed to fill the void at closer once they decided to part ways with free agent Francisco Cordero, although negotiations with the former All-Star were still in the works.

With today’s news and the gigantic trade for Mat Latos, it’s clear the Reds organization is all-in on 2012. With Brandon Phillips currently on a one-year contract and Joey Votto set to leave in 2013, this is the year for the Reds in a weak NL Central.

Albert Pujols is gone, as is Prince Fielder. Ryan Braun will be missing in action for the first 50 games. The Pirates, Cubs and Astros are a pipe dream.

With Latos, the addition of Sean Marshall, Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake, the Reds now sport quality depth in their starting rotation and they have Marshall and Madson to ensure late game leads hold up.

Madson hasn’t posted an ERA above 3.05 since 2006 and is coming off back-to-back sub 2.60 ERA seasons. Last year Madson allowed a mere two home runs despite playing in the miniature Citizen’s Bank Park and had a 1.15 WHIP. That’s good news for the Reds at their tiny Great American Ballpark.