The Beard is returning to the Dodgers.
Relief pitcher Brian Wilson, who gave up just one earned run in 24 regular-season and postseason appearances last season, agreed to a one-year, $10-million deal with incentives for 2014, Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com has confirmed.
Wilson, who turns 32 in March, also has a player option for 2015 worth between $9 million and $10 million, depending on 2014 appearances.
"After how well Brian pitched down the stretch and in the postseason, we are very pleased he is returning," said Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti, in a release on Saturday. "He's a proven veteran with a history of success in high-leverage situations."
Wilson lives in the Los Angeles area and reportedly showed interest in coming back after the Dodgers gave him an opportunity to pitch following reconstructive surgery on his right elbow in April 2012. He had a 0.66 ERA in 13 2/3 innings after signing on July 30, then pitched six scoreless innings in six playoff games against the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals.
Wilson's primary interest this offseason was finding a team that was willing to make him its closer, but he apparently was willing to accept the role of setup man to Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen. Ronald Belisario, who had the setup job last season, was not tendered a contract by the Dodgers and became a free agent.
It's likely the Dodgers promised to give Wilson a shot at closing if Jansen, who led the team with a career-high 28 saves, is injured or struggles.
Wilson, who was paid $1 million last season, didn't make his first appearance for the Dodgers until Aug. 22.
The deal was first reported by Yahoo! Sports.
Wilson is represented by MVP Sports Group and Dan Lozano.
