Ryan Madson recorded 32 saves with a 2.37 ERA for the Phillies last season.
John W. McDonough/SI
Free agent closer Ryan Madson and the Phillies reached an agreement on a deal for $44 million over four years, but the contract has been awaiting the approval of Phillies general partner David Montgomery for more than a day now.
After Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro and agent Scott Boras agreed Monday on those terms plus a vesting option, Amaro told Boras that he needed to get Montgomery's approval for the deal, sources said. Amaro informed Boras on Tuesday that he had as of yet been unable to acquire Montgomery's approval.
Madson and Amaro are believed interested in finalizing the deal, but it isn't known whether the deal could possibly be in some jeopardy at this point. Madson signed off on the $44 million deal with his old team already, so it would be highly unusual if it were to fall through now.
The Phillies are said by sources to have targeted Madson as the closer they most wanted after he emerged this past season in that role after serving as a successful setup man in previous seasons.
Sources familiar with their negotiations say the Phillies did have talks as recently as Monday with another star free agent closer, Jonathan Papelbon, who would presumably garner a similar contract, if not more. A third free agent closer, Heath Bell, a somewhat cheaper option as he is a few years older than the other two pitchers, also interested the Phillies.
The likelihood remains that a deal will be concluded with Madson. But the holdup has added a bit of intrigue, however temporary it may be.
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