The Boston Red Sox have agreed to a one-year, major league contract with outfielder Grady Sizemore, according to Rob Bradford of WEEI.com. Bradford notes that the deal will pay Sizemore $750K in guaranteed money, with Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com adding that he can make up to $6 million if he achieves incentive clauses in the deal.
Sizemore, 31, has not appeared in the major leagues since 2011 due to a variety of injuries, including back and knee problems. He seemed to be moving towards a deal with the Reds as of last week, and also was linked to the Twins and Astros this offseason before signing with Boston.
For the Sox, Sizemore will likely split time with Jackie Bradley Jr. in center, replacing Jacoby Ellsbury, who signed with the Yankees in December. He has never played anywhere other than center in his major league career, but could hypothetically serve as depth behind Shane Victorino, Jonny Gomes and Daniel Nava in the corner outfield spots as well.
In eight major league seasons with the Indians from 2004-2011, Sizemore is a lifetime .269 hitter with 139 HR and 458 RBI. He is a three-time All-Star who could become a low-risk, high-reward type player with the Red Sox next season.