Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Wagner off the board

The first big-name free agent is off the market.

Billy Wagner and the Atlanta Braves agreed on a deal Wednesday that will bring the left-handed closer to pitch for the Braves in 2010.

The deal, reportedly worth $7 million this season, carries a club option for 2011. The club option would kick in if Wagner pitches in 50 games in 2010, and would be worth $6.5 million.

The deal fills a potential hole in the Atlanta bullpen this year, with closers Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano both on the free-agent market this winter.

Wagner is sixth all-time with 385 saves. The lefty returned from Tommy John surgery to pitch in the final two months of the 2009 season with the Mets and Red Sox.

Wagner posted a 1.72 ERA in 17 appearances between the two clubs.

The Red Sox will benefit in gaining a first-round draft slot from the Braves after Boston offered arbitration to Wagner, a Type A free agent.

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