Reports: Victorino, Red Sox agree to three-year deal
The Boston Red Sox must have a fondness for three-year, $39 million contracts.
Free agent outfielder Shane Victorino and the Red Sox agreed to a deal with those terms Tuesday, according to multiple media reports. On Monday, free agent catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli got an identical deal from the team.
Victorino must pass a physical before the deal can be finalized.
With Jacoby Ellsbury set as the Red Sox's center fielder, Victorino figures to take over in right field. Cody Ross was Boston's right fielder last season, but he is a free agent this winter.
Victorino, 32, had a disappointing 2012 season, which he split between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He batted a combined .255 with a .321 on-base percentage, 11 homers, 55 RBI and 39 stolen bases.
Victorino won Gold Gloves for his work as the Phillies' center fielder in 2008, 2009 and 2010, twice making the National League All-Star team.
He began his career with a brief stint with the San Diego Padres in 2003, then played 2005 through most of this season with Philadelphia. In nine major league seasons, Victorino has a .275 career average with a .341 on-base percentage, 90 homers, 409 RBI and 201 stolen bases.
