BALTIMORE (AP) — A person familiar with the contract says the Baltimore Orioles and free agent closer Grant Balfour have agreed to a $15 million, two-year deal.
The deal will not be finalized under right-hander passes a physical, the person told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the contract had not been announced by the Orioles.
Balfour fills the void left by the trade of closer Jim Johnson, who was dealt to Oakland this month because Baltimore didn’t want to pay him around $10 million per season.
Balfour, who turns 36 on Dec. 30, went 1-3 with 38 saves in 41 opportunities with Oakland last season. In 2012, he had 24 saves in 26 chances. In 10 seasons with Minnesota, Milwaukee, Tampa Bay and the Athletics, Balfour is 28-17 with 72 saves.
