Free Agency Update: C.J. Wilson Visits Miami; Broxton to Marlins?

“They rolled out the red carpet. They seem to have a plan and made it very clear they’d like C.J. Wilson to be a part of it,” said Bob Garber, Wilson’s agent. The Miami Marlins seemed to pull out all the same tricks for Wilson that they did for the other three free agents they hosted, Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, and Albert Pujols. Wilson’s agent added “I think he really impressed everybody today with his charisma. I think he’d be a great fit in South Florida.” Garber would however not comment on whether the Marlins made his client a contract offer or not. He did say that Wilson should make a decision before the winter meetings next week. Wilson, a native of Southern California, has been rumored to be interested in staying on the west coast. The Los Angeles Angels are rumored to be the favorites to land the lefty starter, with the Texas Rangers seeming to be ready to move on without Wilson. The Washington Nationals and New York Yankees are also in on Wilson.

Joe Capozzi says the Marlins still hope to sign Jose Reyes and either Wilson or Mark Buehrle. It’s also possible they’ll try to sign both left-handed pitchers. If the Marlins did sign all three players, that would be a very impressive off-season. I would expect the Marlins to open up the trade market for Ricky Nolasco or the player not under contract next season, Anibal Sanchez. This would be a potential look at the Marlins rotation in 2012:

1. Josh Johnson
2. C.J. Wilson
3. Mark Buehrle
4. Anibal Sanchez/Ricky Nolasco
5. Chris Volstad/Wade LeBlanc/Alex Sanabia

ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick tweeted a series of tweets about the Marlins supposedly having interest in Jonathan Broxton. Along with the Marlins, Crasnick thinks the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, and Cincinnati Reds could be in the mix.

Broxton would be an interesting addition for the Marlins as he would come on a short one-year contract, likely filled with incentives. He would definitely be a better fit on the Marlins as everyone else would cost too much money or too many players in return. Marlins have been linked to Francisco Rodriguez, Ryan Madson, and Huston Street. Rodriguez and Madson would require at least three to four year contracts and a hefty pay check. Street is set to make $8 million in 2012 and would cost the Marlins some prospects in a trade with the Colorado Rockies. Broxton being on a one year contract would be a wise investment for the Marlins as he wants to have a chance to rebuild his value before he hits free agency again.

A friend of Broxton tells Joel Sherman of the New York Post that all things being equal, the reliever wants to be close to his Georgia home. Sherman goes on to say that he does not see Broxton as a fit with the Atlanta Braves, therefore the Tampa Bay Rays and the Miami Marlins become more formidable options for him.

Expect a full write up on Broxton tomorrow and how he would fit with the Marlins bullpen and if he would be a wise investment. On the surface, I would say he makes a lot of sense for the Marlins.

Update: Broxton has signed with the Kansas City Royals. The deal is worth 1-year and $4 million, but could be worth $5 million based on games played next season. Also, it appears that the Royals are also interested in former Marlin fans terror, Renyel Pinto.