The Nationals placed veteran reliever Ryan Madson on revocable trade waivers yesterday, per Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post (via Twitter). He’ll be on the wire until tomorrow.
It’s true, of course, that almost all major league players are run through trade waivers at some point. But the timing is still relevant, particularly in this case, as the placement kicks off a two-day waiver period. If a claim is made, the team that sought waivers (in this case, the Nationals) has another two-day stretch in which to work out a trade, pull back the player, or allow the contract to move to the claiming team without compensation.
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With Madson returning from the DL, and immediately thereafter hitting waivers, the Nats may have an opportunity to recoup some value — or, at least, save some salary — for the hurler. Having already moved veteran hitters Daniel Murphy and Matt Adams, and then lost pending free-agent reliever Kelvin Herrera to an injury, it seems likely that the D.C. organization will be quite motivated to move Madson.
Though he’s now 38 years of age, Madson still delivers plenty of velocity. Indeed, he’s averaging a career-high 96.4 mph with his four-seamer and getting swings and misses on 12.4% of his deliveries.
Those stats may help contending organizations look past some of the less-than-promising figures on Madson’s 2018 stat line. After posting a sparkling 1.83 ERA last year, he’s working at an ugly 5.28 clip through 44 1/3 innings this season, with only 8.3 K/9 against 3.0 BB/9.
Opposing hitters are carrying a .326 batting average on balls in play and averaging a 13.0% HR/FB rate against Madson, both of which sit above his typical recent levels. His 66.6% strand rate also hints at some potential poor fortune. Whether those numbers are due primarily to natural variability or an erosion in his skills is a matter for scouts to assess.
National League organizations will have first crack at Madson, who is earning $7.5MM on the season before reaching free agency this fall. Presently, the Dodgers and Phillies are the two clear contenders with the worst records in the league. Both could consider a move for Madson, though surely there are other players under consideration as well.
No chance the Mad Dog doesn’t get claimed. Even in a down year.
Doubt it. Nats will probably let him go
His age works against him. It would be foolish to bet on a turnaround.
Yeah, I’m sure his negative WAR and 5+ ERA is really making contenders excited to get him.
Plus the fact that he’s a head hunter
JrMint, salty Reds fan much? Mad Dog is not a head hunter. He’s also had a great career and won two rings to Votto’s zero while being an integral part in both championship club’s bullpens.
He’s not a head hunter. He just aims for the legs.
So winning two World Series gives a player the right to throw at players. Good to know.
Snowflake
IMO purposely throwing at a hitters legs or anywhere on their body is headhunting.
Soooooo…by your opinion….if I intentionally throw at your right foot it means that I was head hunting?
“So winning two World Series gives a player the right to throw at players. Good to know.”
Apparently you like to put words into people’s mouths,. Good to know. Everything from Ryan’s career points to this as an isolated incident. He’s had an excellent reputation in the league for the last 13 years so i’d say your a little off base with your labeling.
Cole Hamels intentionally threw at Bryce Harper during his rookie season. He’s certainly proved NOT to be a headhunter throughout his career. It’s part of the game. Does it suck when people get hurt? It sure does. But he wasn’t trying to knock the man’s head off.
His purposeful pitch against Votto putting him on DL convinced me he is an obvious head hunter. Given his 2018 stats any team claiming him is buying nothing but trouble.
He’s had knee issues. if he’s finally healthy a contender would be dumb not to trade for him.
Dodgers? I mean they could use anything in the pen at this point, correct? Even if it is just a flyer!!
When you’ve already got Zach McAllister, who else do you need?
Puke.
They can’t get rid of Gio & Madson fast enough!
Let’s have Jeffry Rodriguez & Trevor Gott finish the season and final 30 games, see what they can do.
No one will take Gio. I don’t blame them.
But yeah, Rodriguez is impressing me. Plus Joe Ross should find some time on the mound in September, but TJ patients take a long time to return to form, so I’m not expecting much this year.
I know Milwaukee was looking at him in July, I think they would at least take a flier, probably the only team.
Hopefully he has another quality start tonight, and GM Stearns decides to send the Nats a picture of Bernie Brewer on the slide in return.