The Orioles reached an agreement early this morning on a three-year contract with free agent Aubrey Huff, several industry sources confirmed today.
Huff, a 30-year-old slugger who can play first and third base and both corner outfield spots, is expected to take a physical in Baltimore next week.
"All that is left is a physical and dotting the I's and crossing the T's," one source familiar with the negotiations said.
If Huff passes the physical, the deal, which will pay Huff $20 million over three seasons according to an industry source, will become official.
Huff hit .267 last season with 21 home runs and 66 RBIs playing for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Houston Astros, who acquired him in a trade July 13. It was the first season since 2002 in which Huff didn't drive in at least 90 runs.
When the deal becomes official, Huff is expected to fill a variety of positions for the Orioles, who have long coveted the left-handed hitter's offensive ability. Huff likely will be used at first and third base, in left field and at designated hitter.
The Orioles searched long and hard for an impact hitter this offseason, failing to land free-agent slugger Carlos Lee or complete a trade for Atlanta Braves first baseman Adam LaRoche. Club officials know how dangerous Huff can be because he has more home runs and RBIs against the Orioles than any other team.
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