MLB Rumors: Washington Nationals interested in signing Grant Balfour

When free agency began, Grant Balfour was one of the most desired closers on the market. Some of his suitors backed away due to his financial demands, but he eventually (after some lengthy work) settled on a contract with the Baltimore Orioles.

However, before the ink could dry on that contract, the Orioles vetoed the deal suggesting Balfour had failed his physical. It was news to the pitcher, who was more than shocked at the medical results.

Since then, Balfour has seemingly become free agency’s black sheep drawing little to no interest – until now. According to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, the Washington Nationals are interested in signing Balfour:

"The team’s motivation, according to major league sources, was to create financial flexibility. The Nationals have two remaining arbitration cases. They have made no secret that they want to add another bat off the bench. But they also are interested in Balfour, sources said."

It’s a bit of an odd pairing considering the Nationals are near their payroll limit and they already have multiple players with closing experience. Of course, you can never have too many good arms – especially in the bullpen so the interest is understood. How interested the Nationals are though, remains to be seen.