It’s quite clear that the Mets have all intentions of trading former closer Billy Wagner.
After throwing a few strong innings against minor-league pitching in his road back to the majors, Wagner has been activated by the Mets tonight to possibly showcase himself for contending teams. Here we will look at five teams that make the most sense for the 38-year old southpaw.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs recently pushed right-hander Kevin Gregg from the closer’s role and have installed Carlos Marmol in the position.
While Marmol has done extremely well for the Cubs since 2007 as a setup man, he has never been a closer and many Cubs fans agree that Marmol is not a closer. Chicago could bring on Wagner as a precaution.
The club recently signed former left-handed closer B.J. Ryan to a minor-league deal, but he was released a mere three weeks later.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are just 3.0 games out of the lead for the wild card and closer Troy Percival is out for the rest of the season.
With that, the Rays have used J.P. Howell primarily in the closer’s role, but prior to the non-waiver trade deadline on July 31st, Tampa Bay had shown interest in various relievers such as Cleveland’s Rafael Betancourt, Toronto’s Jason Frasor, and Oakland’s Michael Wuertz.
Clearly, the Rays are in search of a reliever, and Wagner could definitely fit the bill.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers are just 1.0 game out of the American League wild card and are clearly in contention for a playoff spot come October.
While Frank Francisco is clearly the closer in Arlington, and C.J. Wilson being the primary left-handed setup man, the Rangers could possibly be interested in adding another southpaw to the mix.
They recently lost their other left-handed reliever Eddie Guardado to a knee injury, but he could be expected back within the next week or two.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers are sitting first in the American League central division and currently lead the White Sox by 2.5 games.
Fernando Rodney is likely cemented in the closer’s spot in Detroit, but it hasn’t stopped the Tigers from coming up as a potential landing spot for Wagner.
The Tigers currently have Bobby Seay and Fu-Te Ni coming out of the bullpen from the left side.
Perhaps, the Tigers could use Wagner as the left-handed setup man to pair with Brandon Lyon in the bridge to Rodney.
Florida Marlins
The fish would definitely be an interesting choice.
Leo Nunez is penciled in as the closer, but he is simply not a closer. Wagner could fit in well here, joining a contender, and still work as a closer.
The team also has left-hander’s Renyel Pinto and Dan Meyer installed in the bullpen.
One thing that might need to happen for Wagner to become a Marlin though would be for the Mets to pick up some of the remaining $3 million on Wagner’s deal for this year.
Long Shot – Philadelphia Phillies – If any contending team could use a closer right now, it’s certainly the Phillies. Mr. Lidge may have 23 saves, but he also has a startling 7.21 ERA to show for it.
Then again, you also have to take into consideration the Mets rivalry with the Phillies, as well as, the not so kind words that Wagner had for the Phillies and their fans when he left them prior to joining the Mets before the 2006 season.
This is not only a long shot, it’s a very long shot.
Pete Lappin (3)
