2012 MLB Free Agents: C.J. Wilson to Meet with Marlins
By Editorial Staff
Juan C. Rodriguez of the Sun Sentinel reports that the Miami Marlins are set to host free agent starting pitcher C.J. Wilson today for a visit and accompanying stadium tour. Wilson, considered by most to be the top starter available on the free agent market, has been tied to several clubs this winter including the Yankees, Angels, Rangers and Nationals.
There are few top members of the 2012 class of free agents that the Marlins haven’t checked in with already. Having made offers to Jose Reyes, Albert Pujols and Mark Buehrle, the Marlins figure to do the same with Wilson. One of the club’s main focuses this winter is upgrading their rotation, and Wilson would certainly fit into that category.
Rodriguez hears from a source who spoke with a Marlins official that, even though Miami met with Buehrle first, the club has preferred Wilson from the start. Wilson has been fairly busy this winter, according to Rodriguez, coming off his team’s World Series berth and his vacation to Japan. Now that he’s back stateside and the Thanksgiving holiday has passed, Rodriguez expects the Marlins to make an offer to the lefty by the time the Winter Meetings end next week.
It has been reported that Wilson and his agent will be looking for a six-year, $120 million contract this offseason, though many are skeptical that his actual payout will reach those lofty targets.
Wilson has already met with the Angels who wish to add a top of the rotation starter, and specifically a left-hander, to their already strong rotation. The Yankees and Nationals have also been in contact with Wilson and his agent as has the 31-year-old’s former team, the Rangers.
During the beginning of the free agency period, Wilson said in an interview that he expected to re-sign with the Rangers, but at this point it’s fairly unclear where the top starter will land. Our readers believe the Wilson sweepstakes will ultimately come down to the Angels and Yankees.
For more on the Marlins, be sure to check out Marlin Maniac.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.