While the rumors continued to swirl around the top free agent hitter Wednesday, the market’s best pitcher created his fair share of speculation as well. The C.J. Wilson sweepstakes appears to have come down to two, the Marlins and Angels. While a decision wasn’t made last night, many are anticipating an announcement regarding Wilson to come early this morning.
Yesterday morning this still seemed to be a three man race. Since then, the Texas Rangers, Wilson’s former club, have indicated that they were not feeling very optimistic regarding their chances of re-signing Wilson.
That left the Marlins and Angels, two of Wilson’s most aggressive pursuers this offseason. While the Marlins reportedly have a six-year offer on the table, Wilson is said to be favoring LA’s five-year deal because it would allow him to be closer to his home in California.
After the Marlins signed Mark Buehrle, many assumed that they would drop out of the Wilson sweepstakes. But rumors continued coming in that the Marlins offer to Wilson was still on the table.
Wilson made his way to the Winter Meetings last night and sat down with both clubs. While the Marlins may have more years and money on the table for Wilson, the Angels are currently the heavy–favorites to land the starting pitcher. Either way, most are expecting a Wilson announcement to come before the Winter Meetings end today.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.