MLB Free-Agent News: Top 9 Closers on the Market This Winter

Every baseball team needs to play in the ninth in order to win. However, some teams do this much better than others.

Because of this, closers will be a hot commodity on the hot stove this winter as many teams bid for the services of the best available arms. Here are the top nine closers who will be on the market.

9. Darren Oliver, Texas Rangers

I do realize that Darren Oliver is 40 years old. I also realize that he has never been a closer before. However, he has been posting some excellent numbers over the past four years out of the bullpen.

During that period, his highest ERA was 2.88 and his highest WHIP was 1.15. Who knows if he could close, but his previous success in the bullpen could earn him a spot somewhere.

8. Fernando Rodney, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Fernando Rodney has been an effective setup man throughout his career. His ERA has always been high, but his 3.45 mark this season is almost as good as he has ever been. In 2009, he saved 37 games in 38 chances, so he does have the composure to close.

He will probably be a setup man again next year, but it is possible that he could become the closer for the right team.

7. Kerry Wood, Chicago Cubs

Kerry Wood started out as a phenom in Chicago, then he moved to the bullpen, then he left Chicago and now he is back in Chicago.

This season he is a setup man, but he also has had previous success as a closer. He has a 3.32 ERA this season with 20 holds.

Maybe he will move back to the closer's role depending on where he ends up next season.

6. George Sherrill, Atlanta Braves

George Sherrill has been a closer or a setup man throughout his entire career. Although he is not currently closing in Atlanta, he has a 3.00 ERA and seven holds so far this season. His career high in saves came in 2008 when he got 31 saves.

Even though he hasn't closed since leaving Baltimore, he could be a very viable option for a much lower price than some of the other options on this list.

5. Frank Francisco, Toronto Blue Jays

Frank Francisco has been a setup man for most of his career, but he did have one chance to close in 2009. He saved 25 games in 29 chances then. He is a powerful pitcher who gets a lot of strikeouts and has 12 saves currently.

Of course, he has had some issues with composure over the years, but he has been a good setup man throughout his career and could become a solid closer again.

4. Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers

Francisco Rodriguez seems to have been around forever even though he is only 29. He has always been a bit susceptible to the blown saves, and he is in fact being used as a setup man right now in Milwaukee. He has 12 holds so far which is solid.

However, he will be a closer somewhere next year. He has 291 career saves, and maybe he will be able to return to his previous success with a change of scenery.

3. Ryan Madson, Philadelphia Phillies

Ryan Madson had never been able to take the closer's role in Philadelphia until this season. He was always behind Billy Wagner and then Brad Lidge. However, he has a very nice 2.96 ERA and has saved 26 games in 28 opportunities.

He did go on the DL this season which is why his save totals are lower. Nevertheless, he seems to have become a very good closer and will make a lot of money this offseason.

2. Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox

Jonathan Papelbon has been a hero in Red Sox nation. Although he blew a career-high eight saves last season and made Red Sox fans a little bit nervous, he has rebounded this year by converting 29 out of 30 saves. He also has a very nice WHIP which is 0.90 and a 2.80 ERA.

He is at the end of his contract, and I do not really think that he will leave Boston, but I put him on the list because he will indeed be a free agent.

1. Heath Bell, San Diego Padres

I was waiting for Heath Bell to move at the trade deadline, but since he didn't, he will be moving this winter. Last season was obviously his banner year with 47 saves in 50 opportunities and a 1.93 ERA.

This season, his ERA is 2.55 and still has 35 saves. He is a big man with a big arm, and he will be the premier closer on the free-agent market this offseason.