As the MLB trade deadline approaches, one of the hottest players on the market is closer Brian Wilson. The now free agent reliever is best known for his beard over his closing skills. Currently recovering from Tommy John surgery he underwent in April 2012, Wilson is kind of an unknown as far as the rest of the season is concerned, but after an impressive throwing session, numerous teams are interested.
Wilson held a work out at UCLA last week where multiple teams can and watched the three-time All-Star show just how healthy he is. Most of the scouts have said Wilson looked major-league ready and could possibly contribute later this season. This is a much improved report from the last throwing session Wilson held. The former Giants closer threw for scouts during spring training and was underwhelming at best. He was clearly not ready to sign, but appears to be now.
The team showing the most interest in Wilson is the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates recently lost closer Jason Grilli for the remainder of the season and could use an extra closer in the bullpen to help out. Since Wilson might not be ready to contribute right away, he could take his time to develop with the Pirates. Wilson is targeting a team that is going to contend for a championship (who isn't, Wilson) so the Pirates sitting in second are a good option.
A reunion in San Francisco is also not out of the picture. They have a history with Wilson and he is a fan-favorite player which could be enticing, but the Giants are sitting in last place, making to decision tough on Wilson. He could likely pitch the final last five weeks of the season when healthy, so signing with someone like the Giants who probably are not headed to the postseason feels a bit pointless. At least with the Pirates, Wilson could pitch in the playoffs.
Wilson has a love for California and would ideally like to stay in the area. The Los Angeles Dodgers have expressed some interest in Wilson. They were present at the throwing session. The Los Angeles Angels are currently getting rid of players, recently dealing Scott Downs to the Braves so they are out of the picture. The Philadelphia Phillies watched Wilson throw and could be interested, but they are in a six-game losing streak that will push them out of the picture.
CBSSports.com reports that Wilson is very close to signing with a team. He is in the middle of looking at offers and counter offers with teams before making his decision. He will spend time in the minors first before making his first appearance back in the big leagues.