The Orioles and Grant Balfour are close to agreeing on a two-year contract, reports Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal. Baltimore and Balfour have been flirting with one another all month and they finally decided to consummate. The Orioles, in essence, have traded closers with the A's after shipping Jim Johnson to the A's for Jemile Weeks earlier this winter. Balfour was hoping for a three-year deal, but it apparently didn't materialize. This is a nice landing spot for the 35-year-old right-hander's fantasy value.

Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports that the Orioles "might" offer Grant Balfour a vesting option for a third season. If they do, that could get it done. The Orioles appear to have identified Balfour as their top option to replace Jim Johnson and have extended him a two-year offer. Balfour was originally wanting a three-year deal with a vesting option for a fourth year, but the two sides might be able to meet in the middle.

According to Jen Royle of the Boston Herald, the Mariners could be in the mix to land Grant Balfour if he doesn't accept the current deal on the table from the Orioles. The three-year offer from the O's is believed to be for around $7 million annually, while Balfour is seeking $8 million per season and a vesting option for a fourth year. The Mariners have a gaping hole at the back of their bullpen right now, and have shown a willingness to spend this offseason, so don't be surprised if they swoop in and end up with the 35-year-old right-hander.

Jen Royle of the Boston Herald reports that the Orioles have offered Grant Balfour a three-year deal that he is mulling over. The O's didn't want to extend their offer beyond two years. To add the third season, they lowered the average annual value of the contract, while increasing the incentives that Balfour could earn. It's clear at this point that he is their top target on the free agent market.

Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles are holding firm with their two-year offer to Grant Balfour and are willing to explore other closing options. A third year seems to be the sticking point of the deal between the two sides at this juncture. The O's have also expressed interest in John Axford, who could become their primary target if they are unable to work out a deal with Balfour.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Orioles are "confident" of signing closer Grant Balfour. Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish reports that the Orioles want to give him two years while Balfour would prefer three. Meanwhile, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com hears that it's doubtful an agreement will be worked out on Thursday. The 35-year-old is coming off a 2.59 ERA and 38 saves this past season in Oakland and would replace Jim Johnson as Baltimore's closer.

Grant Balfour has received a two-year contract offer from the Orioles, Roch Kubatko of MASN confirms. The Orioles are in need of a closer, as they traded away former closer Jim Johnson to Balfour's former team, the Athletics, earlier this offseason. It would be an interesting closer swap if they then signed the 35-year-old Balfour. The right-hander had 38 saves and a 2.59 ERA in 2013.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Orioles are definitely in on Grant Balfour and are trying to get a deal done. Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio said in an interview with MASNSports.com on Monday night that the Orioles were the favorites to land him. It's interesting, as the Orioles just traded Jim Johnson to the Athletics last week in what was considered a salary dump. Balfour, the A's closer this past season, might end up signing at a similar salary to what Johnson would have cost the Orioles.

The Indians have talked to free agent closer Grant Balfour, reports Jon Morosi of FOX Sports. Cleveland recently parted ways with closer Chris Perez and will likely bring in a new ninth-inning man for the 2014 season. Balfour has also been drawing interest from the Mariners, Tigers, Yankees, Rockies, Angels and Rays. He registered a 2.59 ERA and 72/27 K/BB ratio in 62 2/3 innings this past season for the Athletics.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi report that the Mariners are interested in Grant Balfour and Brian Wilson. The report also adds that the Mariners are interested in additional arms as they search for a closer, though no other names are revealed. Danny Farquhar fared well as Seattle's closer down the stretch last season, but it appears that the M's are more comfortable with him in a setup role.