Billy Wagner, a 15-year veteran who spent the last part of the 2009 season with the Boston Red Sox as he battled back from Tommy John surgery, may be set to retire.
Billy Wagner on Retiring: ‘Why Wouldn’t I?’
According to a report in the New York Post, the hard-throwing lefty would rather hang it up than compete for a closer’s job next season.
“I don’t plan on talking to nobody,” Wagner said, when asked where he might pitch next season.
Does that mean retirement?
“Why wouldn’t I?” he said. “I’ve got nothing else to [accomplish].”
This of course is the exact opposite of what Wagner, who’s 38, said earlier this year, when he stated his plan was to return in 2010, on a team closer to his home (Virginia), and record those final 15 saves he needs for 400 in his career.
Per a request he made before being traded to Boston, the Red Sox have agreed to not pick up his $8.8 million option for next year, meaning he’s free to sign with any team, if he so chooses.
Wagner’s agent, however, told MLB.com today that he hasn’t heard any talk about retirement from his client.
“He has given me no such indication. He and his family will sit down and discuss,” Stringfellow wrote in a text message.
Wagner was 1-1 with a 1.72 ERA in 17 games during the regular season for the Mets and Red Sox, and recorded 26 strikeouts in 15.2 innings pitched.
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