Kerry Wood Rumors: Cubs, Phillies, Angels in on Wood
By Editorial Staff
This weekend it was reported that the Chicago Cubs and free agent reliever Kerry Wood were closing in on a one-year agreement. Since initial reports surfaces it’s been determined that talks between the Cubs and Wood are ongoing, while several other clubs are also in the mix for the right-hander. Beyond the Cubs, CSNPhilly.com’s Jim Salisbury hears that the Phillies, Tigers, Angels and Reds have also expressed interest in Wood this offseason. One way or another, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports that Wood is expected to make a decision on where he will pitch in 2012 by Friday.
According to Salisbury, Wood is reportedly seeking a one-year agreement in the $4 million range. Though it doesn’t sounds like a prohibitive number, $4 million could prove a bit high for the Phillies and Angels, two teams that have publically stated they are unlikely to spend much more this free agency period.
Chicago seemed to be the early favorite to re-sign Wood as the offseason began. Wood himself made it clear he was targeting a reunion at the end of the regular season, noting that he would rather retire than pitch for a team other than the Cubs.
Before last season, Wood signed a $1.5 million deal with the Cubs. The 34-year-old went on to make 55 appearances for Chicago, maintaining a 3.35 ERA and 1.294 WHIP over his 51 innings pitched. Wood’s SO/9 remained high (10.1) while he managed a BB/9 of 3.7.
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