After three years as a role player and pinch-hitter, Wilson played regularly in 2004, hitting .264 with 29 home runs and 82 RBI in 155 games, but posted a franchise-record 169 strikeouts (surpassing Donn Clendenon's 163 in 1968) in 561 at bats.

[1] According to the New York Post, at least one general manager in the National League found the deal inexplicable from the Pirates' standpoint.

After 40 games of the 2007 season with the Braves, Wilson was granted his unconditional release on May 17, 2007, to make room for Brayan Peña on the roster.

On May 28, 2007, he signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox, but ended up undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in June.

[4] After finishing the season with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, he became a free agent, ending his professional playing career.