MLB Rumors: Grant Balfour drawing interest from Indians, Mariners, Yankees and Rays

By Josh Hill | Dec 20, 2013

Oct 7, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Grant Balfour (50) and catcher Derek Norris (36) celebrate after game three of the American League divisional series playoff baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Oakland won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

One of the more bizarre situations to unfold this week in baseball revolved around closer Grant Balfour and the meltdown of his deal with the Baltimore Orioles. Baltimore offered, agreed to and then pulled a contract with Balfour which means the closer is back on the free agent market. There’s the matter whether or not Balfour will files grievance against the team, but beyond that his future in baseball will be somewhere other than Baltimore.

According to MLB Network Radio reporter Jim Duquette, Balfour is already drawing interest from as many as four to five clubs now that he’s a free agent again.

Balfour market is still interesting : SEA, CWS, TB, and NYY all need closers and would benefit with Balfour closing out games
— Jim Duquette (@Jim_Duquette) December 20, 2013

The Cleveland Indians have also been mentioned as a possible destination for Balfour as they’ve made no secret about coveting a closer this offseason. Baltimore won’t be Balfour’s home, and whatever games he plays there in a different uniform should be interesting. But the closer likely won’t be out of work for long and it seems as though the American League is where he’ll stay and spend the next part of his career.

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