Free agent closer Joel Hanrahan will host a showcase for teams next week, reports ESPN's Jerry Crasnick (via Twitter). In a second tweet, Crasnick lists the Mets, Yankees, Angels, Rangers, Rockies, Royals, Athletics, Red Sox and Rays as teams that are believed to have interest in Hanrahan. He adds that somewhat curiously, he hasn't heard much buzz on the Tigers or Phillies being interested, though that could always change.
The 32-year-old Hanrahan underwent Tommy John surgery and also had his flexor tendon repaired and bone chips in his elbow removed on May 16 of last season. He opened the year as Boston's closer after being acquired in an offseason trade that sent Mark Melancon to the Pirates, but he allowed eight runs on 10 hits (four homers) and six walks with just five strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings for the Red Sox before landing on the disabled list.
Prior to that season, Hanrahan had averaged 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings over a five-year stretch between the Nationals and Pirates. The Bucs acquired Hanrahan and Lastings Milledge from the Nats in a deal that sent Sean Burnett and Nyjer Morgan to Washington, and Hanrahan blossomed into a two-time All-Star closer with Pittsburgh. Always one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in the game, Hanrahan's 96.5 mph average fastball from his 2011-13 peak ranked seventh in the game among qualified relievers.
really hoping hes healthy and the yanks can get him we need a veteran in the back end of the bullpen
He’s going to get pummeled with that RF fence…
Tigers with Coke being bad, Rondon out and Reed possibly going to jail.
I wouldn’t mind him with the Rays.
He would be a nice pick-up for the Mets bullpen. Also, Citi Field is a big ballpark for him to pitch in. If he can stay healthy it will upgrade their bullpen a lot!
I know the Phillies are just swimming in elite bullpen arms but maybe, given the fact that they literally do not have more than 3 actual MLB level relievers in their entire Organization, they should at least kick the tires on Hanrahan.