Billy Wagner Claimed by the Red Sox

Reports have surfaced that Billy Wagner, regarded as one of the top closers in the history of baseball and currently a member of the New York Mets, has been claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox. The Mets now have four days to trade him to the Red Sox, let the Red Sox have him or simply reclaim him. The news has been reported by ESPN.com.

Since undergoing Tommy John surgery last year, Wagner just recently returned to the pitching mound. In his first appearance, which came on Thursday, Wagner struck out two hitters in a hitless one inning of work.

The 38-year-old Wagner has had a very good career. In his career that began in the 1995 season, Wagner has a total of 385 saves and an ERA of 2.40. Arguably his best season was his final season with the Houston Astros in 2003 when he amassed 44 saves and a 1.78 ERA.

With the Red Sox, he would likely have to prove with his pitching were he belongs in the bullpen. He won’t be the closer but there’s a chance he could win the setup role.