Wagner Blocked Deal Because Of Health Concern

Billy Wagner invoked his no-trade clause because he wanted to protect his arm for the final month of the season, according Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe. The Globe's sources say Wagner doesn't want to compromise his chances of landing a contract in the offseason and prefers to play in lower-leverage games for the Mets. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports passed along similar information in his FOX Sports report last night.

The Red Sox were interested in Wagner for this season and would likely have turned down the $8MM option for next year and chosen to offer him arbitration instead. Apparently, Wagner was more concerned about possible injuries than the possibility that the Red Sox might lower his value by offering arbitration.

Wagner could change his mind by 12:30pm CST, but one source said the talks are "probably dead."