The C.J. Wilson sweepstakes appear to be heating up, as the top free agent starter reportedly has received offers from four clubs. Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports only knows who two of the teams are that have offers out to Wilson, the Angels and Marlins. The other teams that have been tied to Wilson this offseason are the Rangers, Red Sox and Nationals.
Earlier this offseason, the Angels were reported to have “serious interest” in Wilson. While they already have a strong rotation, LA’s new general manager Jerry Dipoto has continued to look for staff upgrades. The Angels current top three starters are all right-handed, and Dipoto would love to add a top-of-the-rotation lefty to the mix.
This just in; the Marlins have been extremely active. While this has been one of the talks of the offseason, it doesn’t appear that Miami is going to slow down anytime soon.
Along with their reported pursuit of Albert Pujols, the Marlins are also seeking a front-line starting pitcher this winter. It was reported today that Miami is the frontrunner for Mark Buehrle, but they have also sat down with Wilson and are one of the four clubs that have offered him a contract.
The Texas Rangers would love to have Wilson back next season, but the club has continually said that the lefty may be pricing himself out of a Texas return.
Early on, Wilson said that he expected to re-sign with the Rangers. But, with the questions surrounding the Rangers ability to spend and the competition the market is offering, Wilson no longer sounds as certain that he will be back with Texas next season.
The Nationals are another club that is looking to add a veteran leader to their young rotation. Along with Wilson, Washington has also been tied to Buehrle and Edwin Jackson this offseason.
Having a definite need in the starting pitching department, it should surprise no one to hear that the Boston Red Sox are planning to meet with Wilson and his agent in the coming days. Uncertainties surround Boston’s 2012 payroll, but there is no question that the Red Sox are targeting pitching this winter.
Initial reports that had Wilson seeking a six-year deal north of $100 million may have sounded a bit preposterous, but now these terms do not seem so outlandish. With the weak class of free agent starters and the reported number of teams interested in Wilson, he may be able to get closer to his monetary goal than many expected.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.