Justin Wilson, a southpaw, has reached an agreement with the Cincinnati Reds on a one-year contract worth $1.5 million subsequent to his release from a minor league arrangement with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This deal includes the potential to earn up to $1 million in performance bonuses based on the number of games he pitches, with increments of $200,000 for each interval of five games from 40 to 60.
The signing was made public by Cincinnati on Friday, just three days after Wilson became a free agent. The 36-year-old last appeared in a major league game on April 23, 2022, as a member of the Reds. Following Tommy John surgery on June 3 of the same year, he inked a $1 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers for the 2023 season. Despite completing his rehabilitation, his return was short-lived as he suffered a lat muscle strain during warm-ups in the bullpen on July 28, prematurely ending his season.
Subsequently, the Brewers opted not to exercise a $2.5 million option on Wilson, allowing him to enter free agency. He then signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers on Feb. 16, delivering a solid performance in three one-inning appearances during spring training, conceding just one run.
Over the course of his 11-season career, Wilson has amassed a record of 33 wins and 24 losses with a 3.41 ERA in 527 relief appearances. His tenure has spanned stints with various teams including Pittsburgh, the New York Yankees, Detroit, the Chicago Cubs, the New York Mets, and most recently, the Cincinnati Reds.