BOSTON -- Right-handed reliever Kevin Gregg is close to signing a two-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles worth $12 million, according to a league source.
The Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals are also still involved in talks with Gregg, the source said, but Baltimore is the clear front-runner.
Gregg posted 37 saves for the Blue Jays in 2010.
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has said the club's bullpen remains a priority, and while he would be willing to spend for the right reliever, it hasn't been his philosophy in the past.
If the Red Sox, whose talks with Gregg have been characterized as being in the initial stages, were able to land the right-hander, he would be used as a late-inning set-up guy, along with Daniel Bard.
Joe McDonald is a reporter and columnist for ESPNBoston.com.