It turns out Billy Wagner did more for the Boston Red Sox than he’ll ever know. By offering Wagner arbitration on Tuesday, the Red Sox assured themselves of two draft picks if he decided to sign elsewhere.
And now those two draft picks will become reality as Wagner has decided to return to the National League with the Atlanta Braves to be their closer. FOXSports.com was the first to report the signing.
Wagner will sign a 1 year, $7 million deal with a vesting option for 2011. The vesting option can become guaranteed if Wagner finishes 50 games next season. If he doesn’t, the Braves will owe him a $250,000 buyout.
Wagner appeared in 15 games for the Red Sox in 2009 and was 0-2 with a 1.98 ERA. He had 22 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings.
