Theo Epstein’s streak of avoiding arbitration with Red Sox players continues.
According to CSNNE’s Sean McAdam, Jonathan Papelbon agreed to a one-year, $12 million deal with the Red Sox. The 30-year-old closer is eligible for free agency after the 2011 season.
Papelbon has a 2.22 career ERA with 422 strikeouts over six seasons with the Red Sox.
He has even better numbers in the playoffs, posting a 1.00 ERA with 23 strikeouts over 27 innings in 18 appearances. The 2009 ALDS against the Angels is the only postseason series (out of seven) in which he’s allowed any runs.
