The Red Sox traded for New York Mets’ reliever Billy Wagner today for two players to be named later, reports ESPN.
As part of the deal, the Sox are not allowed to pick up his option next year. They are allowed to offer him arbitration, however, so, they can potentially receive compensatory draft picks.
Wagner has an $8 million option for 2010 with a $1 million buyout.
The 38-year old reliever has looked sharp in his 2 innings pitched thus far in 2009, posting 4 Ks against 1 BB. Based on this small sample, his fastball velocity is unchanged since his last healthy season in 2007, sitting at 94.6 mph. That’s a good sign.
Wagner will be a welcome addition to the bullpen, even if Papelbon doesn’t want him.
