NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A person familiar with the talks tells The Associated Press that free agent outfielder Shane Victorino and the Boston Red Sox are close to completing a three-year deal worth $39 million.
The person spoke Tuesday at the baseball winter meetings under condition of anonymity because the contract wasn’t finalized.
Victorino hit a combined .255 with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs last season for Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also stole a career-high 39 bases. The Dodgers got Victorino in a late July trade with the Phillies.
Victorino, who turned 32 last Friday, is a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner.
The Cleveland Indians also had been interested in signing Victorino this offseason.
Boston finished last in the AL East this season and is trying to boost its offense. On Monday, the Red Sox reached a $39 million, three-year contract with Mike Napoli. An All-Star catcher with Texas this season, he’ll mostly play first base next year.
