Dodgers not expected to pursue closer Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson might want to pitch for the Dodgers, but it appears the interest isn’t mutual.
The colorful and magnificently bearded closer wasn’t tendered a contract for next season by the San Francisco Giants, making him a free agent. Wilson lives in Los Angeles in the off-season, and the Dodgers are among the teams with which he would like to sign, according to multiple reports.
Though the Dodgers won’t publicly comment on free agents, people familiar with team officials’ thinking say they aren’t looking to sign Wilson.
Wilson pitched in only two games this year, as he underwent reconstructive elbow surgery in April. Wilson could sign an incentive-laden deal similar to the one Ryan Madson signed with the Angels. Madson, who underwent a similar procedure, is guaranteed $3.5 million and could earn another $3.5 million in roster bonuses and performance-based incentives.
With Brandon League, Kenley Jansen and Ronald Belisario under club control, the back of the Dodgers’ bullpen appears to be close to set. The Dodgers continue to look for bullpen help, but are primarily focused on adding a left-hander. They have also talked to the Pittsburgh Pirates about Joel Hanrahan, but a trade appears unlikely, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Dodgers executives were traveling on Sunday to baseball’s winter meetings in Nashville. The meetings are scheduled to run from Monday through Thursday.
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