Mets Trade Wagner To Red Sox

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Billy Wagner is on his way to the Boston Red Sox, leaving the New York Mets for the chance to pitch in a pennant race as a set-up man for All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon. After a few days of back-and-forth talks about Wagner’s future, the depleted Mets traded the left-handed reliever to the Red Sox on Tuesday for two players to be named.

The AL wild-card leaders had claimed Wagner on waivers, and the teams worked out a deal that persuaded Wagner to waive his no-trade clause. Boston agreed not to pick up his $8 million option for next season and the Red Sox can still offer salary arbitration to Wagner in the offseason, meaning they would be entitled to draft picks as compensation if he signs elsewhere.

It’s a stunning about-face after it appeared Wagner wouldn’t agree to a trade to Boston because of contractual issues and his availability to pitch as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

Wagner was set to decline the trade to Boston until an hour before the deadline as he was hesitant to go because he didn’t want Boston to pick up his $8 million option for next year. He didn’t want the Red Sox to offer him arbitration because then, when he became a free agent, teams would have to give Boston first- and second-round picks as compensation. And, thirdly, he didn’t want to go because he is in the 11th month of a 14th-month rehab and is only supposed to pitch once every third day.

The 38-year-old Wagner ranks sixth all-time with 385 career saves, and wants to finish out his career as a closer. He’s not likely to get that chance this year with Boston. Then again, he hasn’t gotten to pitch in the World Series, either. Had Wagner rejected the deal, the Mets would have had to pay the nearly $3.5 million left on his contract.

Wagner has pitched two scoreless innings since recently returning from major surgery on his left elbow in September. He had lost his role as the Mets’ closer after their offseason acquisition of Francisco Rodriguez. Wagner’s contract includes a $1 million buyout for next year. If his option is declined, he can become a free agent in the offseason and sign with any team.

Following a quicker-than-expected return from surgery and rehab, Wagner returned to the injury-ravaged Mets on Thursday night and struck out two in a perfect inning against Atlanta, with his fastball reaching 96 mph. He struck out two more in a hitless eighth inning Monday against first-place Philadelphia.

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