BOSTON – Former Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks has agreed to a $12 million, two-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, a person familiar with negotiations told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet final. The agreement was first reported by ESPN.com.
In addition, the Red Sox agreed to an $875,000, one-year contract with right-handed reliever Matt Albers and sent utilityman Eric Patterson to the San Diego Padres to complete the trade for first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.
Jenks has the chance to earn more with performance bonuses. He saved 27 games last season but lost his closing job at the end of the year when he struggled with injuries.
Jenks was second in White Sox history with 173 saves since joining Chicago midseason in 2005 and helping the club win its first World Series since 1917. He had four saves in the postseason, pitching in all four Series games during a sweep of the Houston Astros.
Jenks saved 81 games over the next two years. But last season, when he earned $7.5 million, he missed the final 27 games with ulnar neuritis in his right forearm. General manager Kenny Williams said he would consider bringing Jenks back at a lower salary.
Albers was 5-3 with a 4.52 ERA in 62 appearances with Baltimore last season. His deal guarantees him $400,000.
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AP Sports Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.
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