Andrew Bailey has a new contract to go along with his new team.
The Red Sox closer — who came to Boston in the December trade that sent Josh Reddick to Oakland — agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal Wednesday to avoid arbitration.
It marks a noteworthy payday for Bailey, a two-time All-Star who made $465,000 with the Athletics in 2011. The 27-year-old closer, who was arbitration-eligible for the first time in his career, was the 2009 American League Rookie of the Year.
Despite missing nearly two months of the 2011 season with a forearm strain and elbow inflammation, Bailey recorded 24 saves and posted a 3.24 ERA. He has converted 79 of 84 save opportunities throughout his career.
As a result of Bailey’s deal, designated hitter David Ortiz and pitcher Alfredo Aceves are the lone arbitration cases remaining for the Red Sox.
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