Smoltz Reportedly Agrees To Deal With Red Sox

By The Associated Press
Published: January 08, 2009

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ATLANTA --

John Smoltz has reached a preliminary agreement on a contract with the Boston Red Sox, a stunning end to his long career with the Atlanta Braves.

A person familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity because the final paperwork had not been completed, said Smoltz will sign a $5 million guaranteed deal with the Red Sox that includes the possibility of earning another $5 million in bonuses.

The deal was expected to be finalized later today.

Smoltz, the only pitcher in baseball history with 200 wins and 150 saves, had pitched for the Braves since 1988. The 41-year-old is coming off major shoulder surgery that sidelined him for most of last season, but feels healthy enough to pitch at least one more year.