January 5, 2010 at 1:32 PM
Red Sox reach agreement with Beltre
The Red Sox, further bolstering their defense, reached a tentative agreement Monday with third baseman Adrian Beltre. The deal is contingent upon Beltre passing a physical. According to sources, Beltre's deal is for one year and $9 million with a player option for 2011 worth $5 million (or a $1 million buyout). Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com has reported that the player option would increase to $10 million if Beltre records 640 plate appearances in 2010.
Beltre, who will turn 31 shortly after opening day, is a gifted defender, winning back-to-back gold gloves at third base as a member of the Mariners in 2007 and 2008. He is perhaps best known for his outstanding 2004 season, when he hit .334 with 48 home runs and 121 RBI, finishing second to Barry Bonds in the NL MVP race. Last season, Beltre was marred by injuries on his way to a .265/.304/.379 performance at the plate. Over the course of his twelve-year career between the Dodgers and Mariners organizations, he has posted a .270/.325/.453 line with 250 home runs and 906 RBI.