BOSTON (AP) — Two people familiar with the deals say the Boston Red Sox have agreed to one-year contracts with closer Jonathan Papelbon and center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury to avoid arbitration.
The base salaries are $12 million for Papelbon and $2.4 million for Ellsbury, according to the two people who spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the deals had not been announced.
Papelbon is coming off his worst season with a 5-7 record, 3.90 ERA and 37 saves in 45 opportunities. In five seasons as Boston’s closer, he is 19-18 with a 2.22 ERA and 188 saves.
Ellsbury was limited by rib problems last season to 18 games.
Comcast SportsNet New England first reported the agreements.
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AP Sports Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.
