John Smoltz to leave Atlanta for…the Red Sox?

MLB sources have told Foxsports.com’s Ken Rosenthal that the Boston Red Sox are nearing a deal with long-time Atlanta Brave pitcher John Smoltz. It’s a one-year deal for a reported $5.5 million for the 41-year old pitcher.

The deal is also packed with incentives that would potentially push the deal to $10 million for the year, sources said.

Smoltz, who is coming off shoulder surgery, would give the Red Sox six starting pitchers. He would join Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield and Brad Penny. Smoltz has been a closer in the past, but the Red Sox already have Jonathan Papelbon, so there is no need for him there.

Smoltz has been with the Braves since 1987.

UPDATE: ESPN says it’s now final.

Micah Warren is a sports writer from New York and the founder of Blast's sports section and the Off the Record sports blog.