Joel Pineiro reached a preliminary agreement on a $4 million, one-year deal with the Red Sox, who are turning to the former Seattle starter as a contender for their vacant closer's job.
The contract includes $2 million in performance bonuses based on games finished, according to a person familiar with the negotiations, who spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the agreement has not been announced.
Pineiro's deal also contains a player option for 2008. He must pass a physical for the contract to be finalized.
Red Sox, Pineiro Reach Preliminary Agreement