Boston Red Sox's Adrian Gonzalez smiles as he waits to hit during batting practice prior to facing the Minnesota Twins in a spring training baseball game in Fort Myers, Fla., Saturday, March 26, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
A person familiar with the decision says the Boston Red Sox have agreed to terms with first baseman Adrian González on a seven-year contract worth $154 million, which would make him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal was to be announced Friday afternoon.
The Red Sox acquired González from the San Diego Padres in the off-season. The parameters of the deal were discussed at the time, but by waiting until after the season starts the Red Sox save luxury tax money.
A three-time All-Star, González is in his eighth season. He has a career average of .282 with 169 homers.
The new deal would give González $22 million dollars a year, which would make him the second- highest paid Latino in the game short of Alex Rodríguez's 10-year, $275 Million contract at $27.5 million each year.
The Red Sox have the third-largest payroll in baseball, at $160,257,476.
Based on reporting by the Associated Press.
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