Brian Wilson exercises player option for 2015

Dodgers reliever Brian Wilson has informed the team that he will exercise his player option for 2015, according to a major-league source. The option, which could have been worth anywhere between $8.5 million and $10 million based on appearances, will be worth $9.5 million for next season, according to sources.

Wilson made 61 appearances for Los Angeles this season, causing the option to be worth a value close to its $10 million maximum. The 32-year old earned $10 million in 2014, and will become a free agent at the end of the 2015 season.

After signing a one-year, $10 million deal with the Dodgers last offseason, Wilson struggled to a 2-4 record and 4.66 ERA in 48.1 innings pitched after recording a 0.66 ERA in 18 appearances with Los Angeles in 2013. His deal included a player option regardless of performance, and his struggles meant that the financial guarantee of picking up the $9.5 million was a foregone conclusion once the Dodgers were eliminated from the playoffs.

Although Wilson has already informed the Dodgers of his decision, the move will become official after the World Series once paperwork is completed.