Reports: Free-agent closer Cordero reaches preliminary deal with Reds

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Free-agent closer Francisco Cordero has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement on a four-year, $46 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

The deal, which includes a club option for a fifth year, is subject to Cordero passing a physical exam, ESPN.com reported Friday.
The agreement was first reported by FoxSports.com.

The 32-year-old Cordero was second in the National League with 44 saves last season for Milwaukee and made the NL All-Star team.

Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky didn't immediately return a message seeking comment Friday night. David Weathers led the team with 33 saves last season, but will be 39 next year and has been a setup man for most of his career.

Cordero, speaking Friday on a sports radio program in the Dominican Republic, hinted that he had received a lucrative offer from Cincinnati.

"There still isn't anything concrete," he said. "I would have liked to stay in Milwaukee, but it's not up to me. We will see what happens with the management and the owners of the Brewers, because we are willing to hear their offers."

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he offered Cordero a four-year, $42 million deal with an option for a fifth year.

"I thought we had a chance to keep 'Coco,"' Melvin said. "Our offer was competitive. As important as he was to us, we just felt (the bidding) was getting to be too much."