The Red Sox on Monday signed right-hander Josh Beckett to a four-year, $68 million contract extension that will be formally announced at a 3 p.m. press conference at Fenway Park, according to a team source.
Beckett
Negotiations with Beckett went smoothly, the source said, even though the Red Sox did not offer him a fifth year like they gave John Lackey.
"Josh did not insist on the fifth year," said the source, indicating that Beckett's total package will be "Lackey money."
Lackey agreed to a five-year, $82.5 million contract this winter that averages $16.5 million per season. Beckett's four-year deal will average $17 million per season.
The source said that there is no special language in the contract that would give the Red Sox protection in the event the 30-year-old Beckett had shoulder issues.
Beckett is making $12 million this season in the final year of his contract.
Beckett
Negotiations with Beckett went smoothly, the source said, even though the Red Sox did not offer him a fifth year like they gave John Lackey.
"Josh did not insist on the fifth year," said the source, indicating that Beckett's total package will be "Lackey money."
Lackey agreed to a five-year, $82.5 million contract this winter that averages $16.5 million per season. Beckett's four-year deal will average $17 million per season.
The source said that there is no special language in the contract that would give the Red Sox protection in the event the 30-year-old Beckett had shoulder issues.
Beckett is making $12 million this season in the final year of his contract.
