BOSTON (AP) — Billy Wagner is on his way to the Boston Red Sox. After a few days of back-and-forth talks about Wagner's future, the New York Mets traded the left-handed reliever to the Red Sox on Tuesday for two players to be named.
The AL wild-card leaders had claimed Wagner on waivers. He'll join a strong bullpen that features All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon.
Wagner waived his no-trade clause and the Red Sox agreed they would not pick up his $8 million option for next season, agent Bean Stringfellow said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. Stringfellow said Boston can still offer salary arbitration to Wagner in the offseason.
Wagner's main motivation, Stringfellow said, was his "overwhelming desire to pitch in a pennant race."
The 38-year-old Wagner ranks sixth all-time with 385 career saves, and wants to finish out his career as a closer. He's not likely to get that chance this year with Boston — then again, he hasn't gotten to pitch in the World Series, either.
"He wanted to be part of a pennant race," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said on a conference call. "We were able to get a couple of prospects for him. We felt it was the right thing to do."
Had the trade not been made, the Mets would've been responsible for the nearly $3.5 million left on his contract.
Wagner has pitched two scoreless innings since recently returning from major surgery on his left elbow last September. He had lost his role as the Mets' closer after their offseason acquisition of Francisco Rodriguez.
"I don't want to end my career as a setup man," Wagner said Monday.
Wagner's contract includes a $1 million buyout for next year. If his option is declined, he can become a free agent in the offseason and sign with any team.
Wagner has said he would like to pass John Franco (424) for the most saves by a left-handed pitcher.
Following a quicker-than-expected return from surgery and rehab, Wagner returned to the injury-ravaged Mets on Thursday night and struck out two in a perfect inning against Atlanta, with his fastball reaching 96 mph.
Wagner struck out two more in a hitless eighth inning Monday against first-place Philadelphia.
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AP Baseball Writer Ben Walker and AP Sports Writer Antonio Gonzalez contributed to this report.
