Justin Wilson, a left-handed pitcher, made his Major League Baseball debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Drafted by the Pirates in the fifth round of the 2008 MLB Draft, Wilson worked his way through the minor leagues, showcasing his skills as a reliable relief pitcher. His major league debut came on August 20, 2012, when he pitched against the San Diego Padres. During his time with the Pirates, Wilson became known for his fastball, which often reached the mid-to-upper 90s, and his ability to handle high-pressure situations.
In 2014, Wilson was traded to the New York Yankees in exchange for catcher Francisco Cervelli. His tenure with the Yankees further solidified his reputation as a dependable bullpen arm. Over the course of the 2015 season, Wilson appeared in 74 games, posting a 3.10 ERA and striking out 66 batters in 61 innings. His performance with the Yankees demonstrated his ability to adapt to the competitive environment of the American League East.
The Detroit Tigers acquired Wilson in December 2015, where he continued to be a valuable asset in their bullpen. During the 2016 season, he appeared in 66 games, maintaining a 4.14 ERA and striking out 65 batters over 58.2 innings. In 2017, Wilson was named the Tigers' closer, a role in which he excelled, recording 13 saves before being traded mid-season to the Chicago Cubs.
Wilson's time with the Cubs saw him continue to contribute as a reliable reliever. Although he faced some challenges with control, he managed to maintain a solid strikeout rate. In 2018, he appeared in 71 games for the Cubs, posting a 3.46 ERA and striking out 69 batters in 54.2 innings. His ability to strike out batters remained a consistent aspect of his game throughout his career.
In 2019, Wilson signed with the New York Mets, where he continued to be an effective bullpen option. During his first season with the Mets, he posted a 2.54 ERA over 45 appearances, striking out 44 batters in 39 innings. His performance helped stabilize the Mets' bullpen, providing a reliable option in late-inning situations.
Wilson re-signed with the Mets for the 2020 season, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the unusual circumstances, he maintained a 3.66 ERA over 23 appearances, striking out 23 batters in 19.2 innings. His consistency and experience were valuable assets for the Mets during a challenging season.
In 2021, Wilson returned to the Yankees after signing a one-year contract. However, his season was marred by injuries, limiting his effectiveness and availability. He was eventually traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where he finished the season. Despite the setbacks, Wilson's career demonstrated his ability to adapt and perform in various roles across multiple teams.
Throughout his career, Justin Wilson was known for his fastball velocity and his ability to handle high-pressure situations.
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