Major League Baseball

Agent: Former All-Star Wagner is not retiring

Published Oct. 14, 2009 6:45 p.m. ET

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Ken Rosenthal

This just in: Billy Wagner is not retiring.

"He has every intention of playing next season," according to his agent, Bean Stringfellow.

The former All-Star closer Wagner had told the New York Post Tuesday that he was considering retirement and not planning to talk to teams when he hits free agency this offseason.




The six-time All-Star started the year with the New York Mets and missed most of the season recovering from "Tommy John" surgery on his left elbow performed in September 2008. After recovering and making two appearances for New York in late August, he was traded to the Red Sox.

"He wants a ring and he did not do all that rehab just to quit now," Stringfellow said. "His family supports him fully."

The Red Sox agreed not to pick up Wagner's $8 million club option for next season in exchange for him waiving his no-trade clause.

The Sox, however, still can offer Wagner salary arbitration, preserving their right to draft-pick compensation if he signs with another team.

The 38-year-old, who's sixth all-time with 385 career saves, finished the year with the Boston Red Sox, making 15 regular-season appearances and having a 1.98 ERA. The left-hander also had 22 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings. However, he pitched in just two playoff games, totaling one inning and surrendering two runs.

The Associated Press contributed to the report.

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