MLB hot stove: Oakland A's interested in reliever Ryan Madson, reports MLB.com

The Oakland Athletics are "a legitimate suitor" for free agent right-handed reliever Ryan Madson, according to MLB.com's Jane Lee, citing a source. Lee says "Madison is believed to be in the market for a multi-year deal[.]" At FanGraphs, the crowdsourced contract for Madson was one year at $5 million, though those typically fall below what players end up actually signing for.

Madson, 35, tossed 63 1/3 innings with a 2.13 ERA and 3.09 FIP in his first return to the major leagues in four seasons after tearing an elbow ligament shortly after signing with the Reds for the 2012 season. He struck out 58 and walked 14 while giving up five home runs in that span. Madson's 4.14 K/BB ratio led the Royals bullpen.

Madson's return to baseball is an interesting story reported by Andy McCullough, then of the Kansas City Star. Effectively retired after getting no major league offers for the 2014 season, Royals executive Jim Fregosi Jr., who signed Madson with the Phillies in 1998, asked Madson to tutor a high school prospect in his town. Madson eventually climbed back on the mound and was eventually inspired to reach out to Fregosi to give pitching one more try.

The Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Tigers have also been connected to Madson this offseason.