Milwaukee Brewers Should Consider Signing Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson is eccentric, wild and just what the Milwaukee Brewers need. Many have been focused on former closers Rafael Soriano, Francisco Rodriguez and Jonathan Papelbon, but Wilson could be just as good. Though he has had recent struggles with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he could be the perfect low-risk option for the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen.

Set to make $9.5 million this season, Wilson was released from his Dodgers’ contract. He finished last year with a career worst 4.29 FIP and a WHIP of 1.614. Instead of being the late inning arm they were looking for, Wilson pitched through injury and was never at his best.

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But by coming to Milwaukee, Wilson could again work his way into a late inning role. Currently the Brewers appear set to close with former closer, Jonathan Broxton. If Wilson were to sign to a minor league deal, he would join the mix of former closers, Chris Perez and Jim Henderson and certainly ramp up the competition for roster spots.

Wilson has been a Dodger for the past two seasons, but he is most well known for being a member of the San Francisco Giants where he was a three time all-star. In his seven seasons as a Giant, Wilson saved 171 games. Throughout this time he was a strikeout pitcher, who averaged over a strikeout per inning and had an FIP of 3.08.

One of the biggest pluses to his coming to Milwaukee would be his impressive home run rate that he has had throughout his career. In nine major league seasons and nearly 400 innings of work, Wilson has allowed just 22 home runs. This rate comes out to just 0.5 for every nine innings of work. Pitching in a hitters haven like Miller Park, this ratio would be a big positive.

When the Brewers had Nyjer Morgan in 2011, they had a player with a lager than life personality who was able to keep things lose. Wilson is not without questions, but with no surefire answers still on the market he could be just as good as anyone. By signing Wilson, they would have a player who has October experience and who could have the same effect on the clubhouse in 2015.