Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reports that the Mets aren't expected to sign Jose Valverde before the start of the season. Martino notes that the Mets could eventually sign Valverde if the reliever doesn't catch on elsewhere during spring training, but that's unlikely to happen. Valverde seems unlikely to net a closer job wherever he lands, so his fantasy appeal figures to be pretty limited in 2013.

Ken Davidoff of the New York Post reports that the door remains "slightly ajar" for Jose Valverde to join the Mets as their closer. Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reported earlier this month that there was interest, and evidently the possibility remains. Valverde's market has obviously been slow to develop this offseason following an uneven 2012 campaign where he eventually lost his closer gig during the playoffs. While the veteran righty is probably miscast in the ninth inning, he's still a solid reliever.

Jose Valverde's agent, Scott Boras, said Friday that interest in his client is growing and that he has fielded calls in recent days. This could be the case of Boras trying to drum up some interest in his client, but it is surprising to see him still unsigned this deep into February. While he struggled down the stretch and in the postseason in 2012, the 34-year-old right-hander would still be a solid addition to many bullpens around the league. He's unlikely to get anywhere near the closer's role though, so his days of fantasy relevance are likely over.

According to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, agent Scott Boras has denied planting a rumor suggesting that the Marlins were interested in his client, Jose Valverde. "We did not originate that story," said Boras, who claims that the rumor originated from an ESPN reporter who went with the story before getting confirmation from the agent's office. Boras said there was "no motive" for him to plant such a report, because it could easily be refuted by the team in question, which the Marlins did. Valverde remains a free agent and will have to look elsewhere for an opportunity.

Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald was told Monday that reports about the Marlins nearing a deal with free agent reliever Jose Valverde are "utterly false." The two sides are talking, according to CBS Sports' Danny Knobler, but there is no agreement in place. Valverde, 34, registered a 3.78 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 69 innings last season for the Tigers. It was Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes who initially reported that a deal was close.

According to Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes, the Marlins are nearing a one-year deal with Jose Valverde. Valverde will likely operate in a setup role for Miami in front of closer Steve Cishek. The 34-year-old right-hander posted a 3.78 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 48/27 K/BB ratio in 69 innings last season for the Tigers.

Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reports that the Mets are pursuing Jose Valverde "to compete -- or more likely unseat -- Frank Francisco as closer." Mets general manager Sandy Alderson didn't express much confidence in Francisco as his closer earlier this week, and it appears that he might find a replacement before spring training. Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Wilson are also on Alderson's radar, but it sounds like Valverde is his primary target. Rubin notes, though, that a deal with Valverde "would have to be on the Mets' terms... probably be akin to the contract to which Shaun Marcum agreed ($4 million)." Marcum can make an additional $4 million in incentives, and Valverde would likely have incentives in his deal for games finished or saves. He made $9 million with the Tigers in 2012, when he held a 3.78 ERA while notching 35 saves.

Now that Rafael Soriano has signed, agent Scott Boras said he expects Jose Valverde to receive more interest from teams. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski told MLB Network Radio on Wednesday that he doesn't anticipate bringing Valverde back, and hard-throwing rookie Bruce Rondon is set to open the season as Detroit's closer. Despite a disastrous postseason, Valverde was able to save 35 games in 2012, and should be able to land a one-year deal as a setup man with closing experience.

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said on MLB Network Radio on Wednesday that it's "doubtful" that free agent reliever Jose Valverde will return. Valverde would prefer to close, but he's not going to get the opportunity with the Tigers, as hard-throwing rookie Bruce Rondon is expected to get a shot. Meanwhile, Phil Coke and Joaquin Benoit provide in-house alternatives if he stumbles.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Tuesday that he has no definite plan for who he will use at closer during the World Series. Leyland was pleased with how Phil Coke pitched during the ALCS, but he hasn't handed the left-hander the title of closer. Former closer Jose Valverde reportedly looked good during the team's scrimmages in between the ALCS and World Series and could possibly get another shot in the role.