According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, free agent pitcher John Smoltz could be on the verge of the signing with the Boston Red Sox.
As of last night, sources indicated that Smoltz was leaning toward Boston’s offer which was said to be somewhere in the vicinity of $5.5 million guaranteed with the opportunity to earn a few million in incentives which could hike the salary up to $10 million. The Sox and Smoltz have been talking since before the Winter Meetings. The Sox do not anticipate that Smoltz will be ready until later in May, but one of the incentives being discussed would be a roster bonus if he’s with the team by June 1.
Smoltz has spent all of his major league career with the Atlanta Braves. Smoltz would provide depth to the Red Sox rotation and he could also pitch out of the bullpen but he does prefer to remain a starter.
I like the signing if it happens. It’s a low risk, high reward signing for both Smoltz and the Red Sox.
Update: According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Smoltz will indeed sign with the Red Sox as early as tomorrow afternoon.
A Major League source who was in contact with Smoltz on Wednesday night said the 41-year-old right-hander will be calling the Braves on Thursday morning to tell them that he has decided to sign with the Red Sox.
