Report: Angels SP C.J. Wilson available in trade
Los Angeles Angels left-hander C.J. Wilson is reportedly available for a trade, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.
Wilson, 34, went 13-10 last season with a 4.51 ERA, 151 strikeouts and 85 walks in 175 2/3 innings. The Angels finished 98-64 for the best record in baseball, but their starting rotation allowed an average of 3.89 runs per game, 10th in the American League.
Heyman reports that Wilson "seemed to lose favor" from some parts of the Angels' organization after allowing three first-inning runs in Game 3 of the ALDS. Wilson lasted two-thirds of an inning before manager Mike Scioscia pulled him from the game, which ended as an 8-3 Angels' loss to the Kansas City Royals and knocked Los Angeles out of the playoffs.
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That came after Wilson posted a 4.85 ERA in the second half of the season, striking out 44 batters while walking 37.
Wilson is set to make $18 million in 2015 and $20 million in 2016, the last year of his current deal with the Angels. He also has a no-trade clause with eight teams listed, and between a "jammed" market of starting pitchers this offseason and the Angels' financials, Heyman reports a deal involving Wilson could be difficult to put together.
The Angels have suggested they aren't inclined to eat any of his $19 million annual salary, so it may be difficult. And considering the glut of available starters, as one rival GM put it, "Good luck."
- Mike Fiammetta
