A person with knowledge of the negotiations says free agent right-hander Joe Smith could finalize his $15.75 million, three-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels before Thursday’s Thanksgiving holiday.
Smith agreed to terms on his new deal during the weekend and was travelling home from vacation Tuesday in order to undergo his physical with Los Angeles, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the club had yet to announce the addition of Smith.
Smith’s contract includes $500,000 annually in potential bonuses.
Smith spent the past five seasons with Cleveland after pitching his first two major league years for the New York Mets. He has 13 wins over the past two seasons, going 6-2 with a 2.29 ERA and three saves in 70 appearances and 63 innings in 2013.
