Ryan Madson might not be returning to the Phillies after all.
The reported $44 million, four-year deal the closer signed with the team still has not been approved by team executive David Montgomery, according to Sports Illustrated.
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro and agent Scott Boras reportedly reached a deal on Monday, but have been waiting to hear back from Montgomery for the final green light.
If the deal falls through, it would leave the door open for the Phillies to reopen negotiations with Jonathan Papelbon, who reportedly met with the team as recently as Monday.
Should Montgomery puts the kibosh on Madson’s proposed contract, it would create an interesting opportunity for Papelbon. He would then have a very good idea of how much the Phillies value closers, especially if the team is “determined” to sign either him or Madson.
