Giants Extend Closer Brian Wilson

Because the terms aren’t known, we’re left with speculation, but the deal will likely buy out Wilson’s remaining years of team control, and possibly a season or two of free agency. Wilson and the Giants agreed on a one year, $4.4375m contract two months ago to avoid arbitration.

Wilson, 28, came into the league a bit of a wild, unpredictable flamethrower, but he’s blossomed into one of the better late-inning relievers in the National League. Armed with high-90s heat and a dynamite slider, Wilson strikes out more than a batter an inning while succeeding in keeping the ball on the ground fairly often. As an added bonus, he isn’t plagued by any significant health concerns. It’s fair to question the wisdom of the Affeldt extension, but here, even without knowing the details, you have to figure that the Giants got themselves a good deal on a good pitcher.