BOSTON, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Veteran Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek met a team deadline Friday and signed a one-year contract, believed to be worth $5 million.
The team's policy says the deal will not be officially announced until Varitek completes a physical.
Boston had submitted an official proposal to Varitek and agent Scott Boras at the end of last week, saying Friday was the day it wanted the free agent's decision on its contract proposal.
Neither side commented Friday, but The Boston Globe reported that his maximum salary rests at $10 million for the next two seasons combined.
At spring training starting late next month, Varitek, 37, a fan favorite and three-time American League all-star, faces competition at starting catcher from the younger Josh Bard, Dusty Brown and George Kottaras.
Varitek has caught more games (1,274) than any player in Red Sox history and is a .263 hitter with 161 home runs and 654 RBI.
Last season, he batted a career-low .220.
