Mets' lefthander Billy Wagner hasn't pitched this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last September, but he's expected to begin throwing to batters by the end of June. A team official said a September 1st return date is "very conservative". The Mets hold an $8MM option for his services next season, but they have reportedly already told Wagner that the option will not be picked up, instead paying him a $1MM buyout.
I'd like to see what the MLBTR readers think about Wagner's situation. If he comes back later in the season and is effective, what kind of market do you think there will be for be for his services in the offseason? As a 38-yr old coming off major surgery, could his distinguished track record still land him a multi-year deal? Could Brian Fuentes' two year, $17.5MM deal with the Angels work as framework for a potential contract?
