Report: 41-year-old Smoltz to join Red Sox

BOSTON, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Right-hander John Smoltz, who has pitched 20 years for the Atlanta Braves, has reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox.

The 41-year-old Smoltz was "on the verge" of signing a deal that would pay him at least $5.5 million and could double with incentives, a report on mlb.com said Thursday.

Smoltz was 3-2 with a 2.57 ERA in six games last season and then underwent shoulder surgery.

Although he has progressed well from the operation, he likely won't be ready to pitch until June, the report said.

Smoltz has a career record of 210-147 in regular season contests and is the winningest pitcher in post-season history with a 15-4 mark. He is the only pitcher ever to record at least 200 wins and 150 saves