The C.J. Wilson sweepstakes are heating up as rumors involving the top free agent starter poured in yesterday. The onset of the Winter Meetings brought reports that Wilson had received offers from four teams, two of which were the Angels and Marlins, who are seemingly pulling away from the pack in their pursuit of Wilson. According to Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports, the Marlins “are as aggressive as anyone” when it comes to Wilson while Morosi also notes the Angels are making a “serious push” to sign the lefty.
The Angels and Marlins have each met with Wilson and his agent. Both clubs have also expressed serious interest in Wilson from the start of the free agency period. The Marlins desire a top-of-the-rotation starter as they continue revamping their roster. The Angels also covet another top starting pitcher to couple with their already strong rotation of Jered Weaver, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana. LA’s current top three are all right-handers, and general manager Jerry Dipoto has said he’d love to insert a top lefty into the mix.
According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Wilson has received a six-year offer from an unknown club. The Nationals and Rangers have confirmed that they haven’t extended such a deal to Wilson. The Rangers are set to meet with Wilson today and are expected to increase their original offer of $48 million over four years.
This was extended to Wilson before the 2011 season, but things have sure changed since then. At this point, it’s rumored that the left-hander is seeking a six-year deal reaching $100 million or more.
Along with the Marlins, Angels, Rangers and Nationals, the Red Sox have also been tied to Wilson this winter. At this point though, it appears that it’s down to a two man race between the Marlins and Angels. It will be interesting to see what the Rangers offer Wilson today and if it gets them back into the chase.
According to reports, Wilson hopes to sign his new contract by the end of the week.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.