Brian Wilson looks for a free-agent deal while recovering from Tommy John surgery. (USA Today Sports)

Two years ago, the Giants finished a five-game win over the Rangers in the World Series with Brian Wilson on the mound, picking up his sixth save of that postseason with a perfect ninth inning that featured two strikeouts and a ground-ball out.

This year, the Giants again won the World Series, this time in a four-game sweep against the Tigers that featured Sergio Romo on the mound in the final frame, recording three strikeouts in another championship-clinching inning.

Wilson had to watch the playoffs from the disabled list, missing most of the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April. Thirty-three days later, with Wilson due at least $6.8 million via the arbitration process should the Giants tender him a contract, Wilson found himself in new territory: free agency.

In between the Giants' two World Series victories, Wilson enjoyed a good season on the surface (3.11 ERA, 36 saves). However, Wilson didn't look like the same pitcher even before straining his elbow late in the season, walking more than five batters per nine innings while falling short of striking out a batter per inning. It got worse in 2012: two innings, two earned runs, one save and a spot on the disabled list for the rest of the year.

With a year lost to injury, Wilson could find himself taking a significant pay cut this offseason. His situation is comparable to Ryan Madson, another closer shelved for 2012 who signed a one-year, $6-million contract that also includes another $1 million in incentives.

However, unlike Madson, Wilson might not find an open closing situation on the free-agent market. Joakim Soria, who seemingly would only accept a nonclosing job if it came with the Yankees, has agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with the Rangers. Though the Rangers have not announced the pecking order in the bullpen, one would expect Joe Nathan to continue closing heading into 2013.

That could be the type of deal Wilson is being offered from suitors. Like Wilson, Soria underwent Tommy John surgery in April. Like Soria, Wilson is a well-established closer looking to rebuild his value. Though he reportedly had interest in signing with the Dodgers, Angels and Red Sox, only the Red Sox have indicated any level of interest in the 30-year-old right-hander.

What of Wilson's former team, the Giants? Though Wilson was said to have "zero interest" in returning to San Francisco after being nontendered, the team reportedly wants him back. If Wilson wants to stay on the west coast, the Giants may be his best bet. If the team could get him on a Soria-type deal, it would seem to make sense to bring him back, if he's open to that type of contract.

If Wilson holds out for much more, he could be waiting for the right deal for a very long time.

Potential suitors: Red Sox, Giants, Yankees

Long shots: Dodgers, A's, Mariners, Nationals