Shane Victorino Gets Three Years from Red Sox

October 2, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Shane Victorino (8) advances to third on a triple in the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Free agent outfielder Shane Victorino had narrowed his choices down to just a couple of teams and the bidding had escalated. According to multiple outlets, the Boston Red Sox have won out and agreed to sign the switch-hitter to a three-year, $37.5 million contract.

Victorino is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career and at age 32, Boston is hoping it was a fluke and not the start of a sever downturn in production. He’s a two-time all-star and can play left or center field. He also shows a good process at the plate as evidenced by his career .341 OBP.

Victorino was drawing serious interest as well from the Cleveland Indians and Indians manager Terry Francona had personally reached out to the former Phillie. In the end, Boston’s willingness to go to three years at such a high average annual value won out. There had been talks earlier this week that Victorino was seeking at least $10 million per year.

Nearly $13 million per year for a guy on the wrong side of his prime and coming off a terrible season? Welcome to the new economics of baseball.

With Victorino in the fold, Boston is likely no longer in pursuit of free agents Josh Hamilton and Cody Ross.