BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox are closing in on a two-year deal with free-agent designated hitter David Ortiz that they hope to finalize before the end of the week, according to a baseball source.
The two-year term -- something that was of utmost importance to the 36-year-old Ortiz -- has already been agreed upon, the source said Tuesday, but the sides are still haggling on compensation. Ortiz is believed to be seeking a total of $25 million for the contract. The Red Sox are in that neighborhood, but hope to sign him for a few million less, according to the source, who noted the monetary negotiations are not expected to get in the way of the deal’s completion.