SAN DIEGO — All-star slugger Adrian Gonzalez was in Boston on Saturday to take a physical exam needed to complete a trade from the Padres to the Red Sox.
Besides passing a physical, Gonzalez and the Red Sox will have to agree to a renegotiated contract because of the caliber of prospects Boston is giving up, people familiar with the deal said.
Gonzalez had surgery to clean up the labrum in his nonthrowing right shoulder Oct. 20. The Padres said then that the three- time all-star and two-time Gold Glove Award-winning first baseman was expected to be ready for spring training.
The Padres will receive three of Boston’s top prospects, plus a player to be determined. The prospects are right-hander Casey Kelly, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and outfielder Reymond Fuentes.
Jeter, Yanks reach deal
NEW YORK — Shortstop Derek Jeter and the Yankees reached a preliminary agreement on a $51 million, three-year contract with an $8 million player option for 2014.
The team also moved closer to finalizing a $30 million deal with Mariano Rivera that will keep the closer in a Yankees uniform for two more seasons.
Berkman to Cardinals
ST. LOUIS — The Cardinals and free agent Lance Berkman have agreed to an $8 million, one-year contract.
The 34-year-old first baseman-outfielder, who had drawn interest from the Rockies, is a five-time NL all-star with the Astros. Last year, he batted .248 with Houston and the Yankees, finishing with 14 homers and 58 RBIs.
“I think he had greater opportunities out there financially,” St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said. “This was just a place he wanted to play.”
