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Roche: Red Sox Re-Sign Varitek

BOSTON (CBS) -- A Major League source tells WBZ-TV's Dan Roche that the Red Sox have agreed to a one-year deal to bring back veteran catcher Jason Varitek.

SI's Jon Heyman first reported the deal.

The terms are expected to be for one year at $2 million, plus $300,000 in incentives.

Varitek, who will be 39 next season, appeared in only 39 games last season as he suffered a broken foot. He hit .232 with 7 HR and 16 RBI. He hit .257 with an OBP of .316 and a slugging percentage of .543.

Varitek will likely serve as a mentor to Jarrad Saltalamacchia, who the Sox feel one day could be a solid major league receiver.

Varitek was a back-up to Victor Martinez and took quite nicely to the role. Varitek is often regarded as another pitching coach for how well he prepares his pitchers for an opponent. Meanwhile, with less every day wear and tear Varitek felt revitalized.

Varitek made $3 million last season and the Sox declined to offer him arbitration hoping they could sign him to a lesser deal.

Varitek is a three-time American League All-Star. He also won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award in 2005.

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