Red Sox agree with C Varitek

Jan 30, 2009 - 7:48 PM BOSTON (Ticker) -- Jason Varitek is apparently heading back to Boston after all.

According to a report by the Boston Globe on Friday, the Red Sox and the veteran catcher agreed to a one-year contract with an option.

Varitek reportedly will make $5 million in 2009, with the club holding a $5 million option for 2010.

The report states that if the Red Sox do not pick up that option, Varitek has the choice of remaining with the club on a $3 million deal. In 2010, Varitek can reportedly earn another $2 million in incentives based on playing time, beginning at 80 games started.

That means the potential total value of the deal reportedly could be worth between $10 million to $12 million. The incentives apply to both the team and player options for 2010, according to the report.

Varitek earned $10 million in base salary and prorated bonus money in 2008.

Varitek, a two-time All-Star who turns 37 on April 11, reportedly had until Friday to accept the offer by the Red Sox, even though WEEI.com reported no specific date had been set.

Last season was the worst statistically for Varitek during his 11-year tenure with the club. In 131 games, he hit .220 with 13 homers and 43 RBI.

Despite that, Varitek declined the Red Sox offer to go to arbitration earlier this offseason, and his desirability to other clubs dwindled because the offer of arbitration requires a club to give up a draft choice if it signed Varitek.