CINCINNATI, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Paul Wilson, a former No. 1 pick who has not lived up to lofty expectations, signed a two-year contract Sunday with the Cincinnati Reds.
Financial terms of the righthander's deal were not disclosed. Wilson earned $1.2 million in 2002.
Arbitration eligible, Wilson was not offered a contract by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for 2003.
The 29-year-old Wilson, who was the top overall pick in the 1994 draft by the New York Mets, was 6-12 with a 4.83 ERA in 30 starts for the Devil Rays in 2002. He lasted at least six innings in 23 starts and joins a rotation headed by Ryan Dempster and former closer Danny Graves.
"Paul has the ability to pitch 180 to 200 innings a year," Reds General Manager Jim Bowden said. "We felt it was important to add another proven starter to join Ryan Dempster, Jimmy Haynes and Danny Graves in the rotation."
Wilson has a career record of 20-37 with a 4.86 ERA in 104 games, including 87 starts.
After a stellar career at Florida State, Wilson was part of a much-publicized youth movement with the Mets but went just 5-12 with New York and suffered a host of arm injuries. He was traded to Tampa Bay in July 2000.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Reds designated righthander Brian Reith for assignment.
