Dodgers Rumors: Brian Wilson Discussing One-Year Deal With Option

After reportedly walking away from negotiations with the Detroit Tigers, right-handed reliever Brian Wilson may be close to returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Wilson was in talks with the Tigers to become their closer; however, he came back to negotiate with the team he spent last season with. The Tigers ended up with Joe Nathan as their closer.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Dodgers and Wilson are discussing the terms of the contract:

Sources: The deal the #Dodgers are discussing with Brian Wilson would be for one year with a player option – in effect, two years.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 5, 2013

The Dodgers would use Wilson in a set-up role in front of closer Kenley Jansen. The team feared they might lose the 31-year-old to a closer role with another team, but he made it clear that he would be willing to return if the Dodgers paid him like a closer. While the figures haven’t been released for the proposed deal, but it could range upwards of $5 million.

The right-hander was signed by the Dodgers as a free agent last July after recovering from Tommy John surgery. He spent a little more than a month with the team and quickly became one of the better arms out of the bullpen. He finished 2-1 with a 0.66 ERA in 18 games and became the team’s set-up man. Wilson had three six appearances in the postseason and didn’t allow a run.

Wilson became a fan favorite after years of being disliked as a member of the rival San Francisco Giants. His beard and eccentric attitude was embraced by Dodger fans, aided by the fact that he was pitching productively. The Dodgers are currently in talks with Wilson and left-handed reliever J.P. Howell and after recently releasing Ronald Belisario, the signing of Wilson is that much more important.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

ICYMI: The Dodgers and right-hander Dan Haren agreed to a one-year deal last weekend