Red Sox Claim Billy Wagner Off Waivers

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Mets left-hander Billy Wagner has been claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox, according to two major-league sources.

The Mets now have three options: They can work out a trade with the Red Sox by 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday; they can allow Wagner to depart on the claim; or they can pull Wagner back off waivers, a move that would prevent them from trading Wagner for the remainder of the season.

Rosenthal adds that Wagner has a full no-trade clause, meaning he could veto a trade to Boston. However, that seems improbable based on comments he made this afternoon.

“Might be the closest I ever get to a World Series,” he said.

It could stand to reason that the Red Sox made the move to block the Yankees from adding the veteran lefty to their bullpen.

The Mets have no interest in kicking in any cash, so the Red Sox would be on the hook for his remaining salary plus the one million dollar buyout.

Wags had an impressive debut last night, striking out two batters in a perfect inning and hitting 96 mph on the radar gun.

It’s interesting to note another nugget Rosenthal alluded to that hasn’t been widely considered.

Wagner is projected to be a Type A free agent, so he would bring two high draft picks as compensation if his team — the Mets or Red Sox — offered him salary arbitration.

Hmm… More to think about… Can we get this guy?