Billy Wagner tells Rob Bradford of WEEI.com that he expects to turn down arbitration this offseason if the Red Sox offer it. Wagner wants to close again and, since Jonathan Papelbon has the closer's job in Boston, Wagner says he'd look to sign elsewhere, even if it means he makes less money.
He will probably be a Type A free agent, which means the Red Sox will receive two draft picks if Wagner rejects their offer of arbitration to sign elsewhere. This could limit the interest in Wagner; teams may decide it's not worth giving up a top pick for a reliever coming off Tommy John surgery.
Wagner says he would consider joining a club that offers him the chance to close, but says he hasn't fully committed to playing next season yet.
